It was all smiles as construction kicked off for the Hornets’ new practice facility. | Photo by CLTtoday
It’s a slam dunk for Buzz City. The Charlotte Hornets broke ground on its state-of-the-art Novant Health Performance Center, a practice facility expected to draw basketball fans and future players for years to come.
“What you’re about to see is more than $150 million in investment in this community and in partnership with the city,” explained Rick Schnall, Hornets Sports and Entertainment Co-Chairman, at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Can you picture yourself enjoying a Hornets practice here?
Rendering via Charlotte Hornets
In March 2024, the City of Charlotte approved $30 million for the project + with the Hornets covering exceeding costs and owning the new practice facility. The deal was part of a larger agreement that keeps the team in Charlotte through at least 2045.
Funded largely by the Hornets, the new building will boast more than 160,000 sqft of training and performance space, administrative offices, and retail space + the Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic, that will be open to the public.
The Hornets’ new facility is expected to be open for the 2026-27 NBA season.
That’s Novel Books Writing Club | 5:30-7 p.m. | That’s Novel Books | Cost of purchase | Let your creative juices flow in this quiet writing group + meet fellow writers.
Resin Pour Workshop | 6 p.m. | Slow Play Brewing, Rock Hill, SC | $89 | Sip craft brews while learning to pour resin to create a work of art.
Tia Durant | 7-8:30 p.m. | Middle C Jazz Club | $40+ | The Princess of Soul will hit the stage with a tribute to Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and more iconic artists.
Friday, March 28
Food Truck Friday | 5-9 p.m. | Armored Cow Brewing | Cost of purchase | Grab a beer while snacking from several food trucks serving empanadas, loaded fries, and burritos.
The Femwell Forum | 6-9 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $87+ | Connect with healthcare leaders + network during a reception with complimentary wine and small bites.
Secret Garden Cake Decorating | 6-9 p.m. | Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen | $80 | Learn to make edible moss for a whimsical nature-inspired cake.
Renée Fleming at Carolina Theatre | 7:30 p.m. | Carolina Theatre | $89 | Marvel at the grandeur of the renovated theater while the international superstar performs with The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
Saturday, March 29
Fight for Air Climb | 7 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Vue | $35 in advance, $50 in person | Climb 883 stairs to benefit the American Lung Association.
Morehead Street will soon have a community hub for gourmet eats, cocktails, and live entertainment. The Market on Morehead is scheduled to land in December 2025, along Carson Street and the Rail Trail.
Coming Soon
Pottery Barn will open a new store at Birkdale Village this fall, next to the Cheesecake Factory. The space has been empty since Total Wine moved in July 2023. This will be Pottery Barn’s second location in the Charlotte area. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Civic
Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokhari is leaving the council for a role with the Federal Transit Administration. Bokhari, who has served since 2017 and represented District 6, advocated for citywide transit improvements. A replacement has not yet been named. (WCNC)
Biz
Dollar Tree is closing the Family Dollar headquarters and selling the company to a private equity firm, leaving 900 people without a job. Family Dollar was founded in Charlotte in 1959 and operated its corporate headquarters in Matthews until 2021. (WCNC)
Transit
Huntersville planning officials voted to recommend a zoning request for a new development to include housing, retail, and dining options off Old Statesville Road. The project would be a stop for the proposed Red Line + still requires town board approval. (WCNC)
Edu
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools proposed a new budget to raise the minimum teacher salary to $50,000. The proposed budget for the 2025-26 school year amounts to nearly $2 billion, less than a percent increase from last year’s budget. (WSOC)
Announced
Pack your bags. Starting December 19, travelers can fly from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Aspen, CO. American Airlines will fly three times weekly to the winter destination. Get acquainted with CLT before booking your winter break trip.
Music
You know what goes well with spring weather? Live music. Tomorrow, catch a show by The DT’s Duo at Mac’s Speed Shop in Steele Creek. You may catch yourself singing along.
Outdoors
Mecklenburg County Park and Rec will host its annual plant sale April 11-12. Head to McDowell Nature Preserve to grow your garden. Available plants include native, cultivar, and herbs + sales go to scholarships for Urban Outdoor Connections summer campers.
Fun Fact
A proposed NC bill is exciting wrestling fans. The Ric Flair Act would set aside $500,000 to study the creation of a professional wrestling hall of fame. Flair lived in Charlotte for many years. If approved, a study could be done by summer 2026. (WCNC)
Sports
The Charlotte Hornets fell to the Orlando Magic 111–104 but showed promise on the court. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Travel
Making summer 2025 your main character era? Perfect timing: Snag this travel credit card’s rare, limited-time welcome bonus (worth ~$1,000) to fuel your summer adventures — whether it’s island-hopping like a Love Is Blind escapee, chasing Sabrina or Kendrick on tour, or simply living your best jet-set life.*
Finance
If you’re in credit card debt, you could spend hours (or days, or weeks) mapping out how to reduce it on your own... or you could let Freedom Debt Relief step in to renegotiate with debtors and consolidate your payments. See if you qualify.*
Category
Pets
🐾 Paws up
An evening of soccer and adoptable pups — what’s not to love? | Photo by Laura Stroud via Carolina Ascent FC
Who let the dogs out? On Saturday, March 29, Carolina Ascent FC fans, their pups, and plenty of adoptable dogs will pack American Legion Memorial Stadium for the first-ever Pups at the Pitch event — bringing dog lovers together with organizations ready to match pups to their fur-ever homes.
For Josie Studer, a defender on the team, the evening is personal.
“My parents have always had a massive love for animals, and that trickled on down to me and my sister,” she explained to CLTtoday. “We have six rescue dogs and eight rescued cats. I’m just a huge, avid animal lover.”
The team is partnering with FidoTabby Alert, Social Pet, CMPD Animal Care and Control, and two other rescues to bring adoptable dogs to the stadium.
You don’t need to adopt a dog at the game — you can bring yours to enjoy the evening for free.
Editor’s note: Dogs must be registered in advance. Regular tickets start at $22 + the game kicks off at 7 p.m.
A purse organizer that’s 69% off thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Say goodbye to a messy handbag with this organizer featuring 13 thoughtfully designed pockets to keep everything in its place. Read: You’ll never be endlessly digging around for your keys again.
I attended the opening night for Parade at Belk Theater. I could not hold my tears back. If you have time, I highly recommend checking out this show. Tickets start at $40 + there are still Broadway shows upcoming for the 2024-25 season.
