Here’s an announcement that will leave you saying: “It’s awesome, baby!”Charlotte Sports Foundation, the organization behind major Queen City events like The Duke’s Mayo Classic and The Savannah Bananas, proudly announced the upcoming Dick Vitale Invitational, a new annual men’s college basketball event honoring Hall of Game broadcaster, Dick Vitale, is coming to Charlotte.
Who’s playing?
The Duke Blue Devils will face the Texas Longhorns on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at Spectrum Center. Tip-off time is TBA.
How to watch?
The game will air on ESPN, plus fans can sign up for exclusive presale tickets and be the first to know when further game-day details are announced.
Honoring a legacy
Calling more than 1,000 games since joining ESPN in 1979, Dick Vitale is considered to be “the voice” of men’s college basketball for the last 30 years.
Events
Events
Tuesday, June 10
Coffee with the Chamber | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Hyatt Centric SouthPark Charlotte | Free with registration | Start your day by connecting with SouthPark residents over coffee.
Evening Unwind Yoga | 6-7 p.m. | Comporium Amphitheater at Dairy Barn Entrance, Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill, SC | $14 | Renew your body and mind in this guided yoga class.
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical | Tuesday, June 10-Sunday, June 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Belk Theatre | Love’s got everything to do with you seeing the musical journey of the woman who became the queen of rock n’ roll.
Wednesday, June 11
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Walk | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Freedom Park | Free | Take steps to raise awareness for the importance of caring for our older adults.
Italian Wine Tasting | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Mama Ricotta’s | $35 | Mingle and sip 12–15 Italian wines in this tasting paired with appetizers.
Chipotle at home: a DIY bowl Cooking Class | 6:30-9 p.m. | The Foodie School, Fort Mill, SC | $86 | Learn to craft your own Chipotle bowl from home with zesty marinades, fresh toppings, and sauces.
Thursday, June 12
National Outlet Shopping Day | Thursday, June 12 - Sunday, June 15 | Charlotte Premium Outlets | Cost of purchase | Take advantage of can’t-miss shopping deals + get a free tote bag at Charlotte Premium Outlets or Concord Mills.
Beginner and Beyond Pottery Wheel Class | 6-8:30 p.m. | 1003 Louise Ave., Ste. A | $259 | Learn to craft your own pottery, like bowls, mugs, and vases, in this guided, six-week class.
“Rocky II” | 7 p.m. | The Carolina Theatre | $10 | Join Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character in the ring during The Carolina Theatre’s summer blockbuster series.
Where to eat, shop, and play at Piedmont Town Center
Presented by Piedmont Town Center
Stay tuned for fun events at Piedmont Town Center — including a $5,000+ giveaway, special anniversary menus, and more. | Photos provided by Piedmont Town Center
Since opening in 2005, Piedmont Town Center has transformed from farmland into a mix of retail, residential, and office spaces. Today, it’s a go-to spot for dining, shopping, and wellness in the heart of SouthPark.
Here are our recs for the next time you’re in the neighborhood:
Salted Melon Market & Eatery opens tomorrow, June 11, at Phillips Place in SouthPark, offering an all-day menu of salads, bowls, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, coffee, and tea. A grand opening party is happening this Saturday, June 14, with the first 80 guests receiving a free limited-edition tote bag or hat.
Outdoors
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is reopening to the public on Friday, June 27. The popular spot for hikers closed last fall after suffering damage from Hurricane Helene. Reservations will be required for all guests, including annual passholders. (WCNC)
Sports
The Charlotte Checkers will face the Abbotsford Canucks in the Calder Cup Finals. The best-of-seven series starts at Bojangles Coliseum with Games 1 and 2 this Friday, June 13, and Sunday, June 15. Tickets are on sale now.
Ranked
Meow. USA Today recognized Mac Tabby Cat Cafe as one of the country’s Top 10 cat cafes in the US, with locations in Charlotte, Salisbury, and Concord. Cast your vote to see this cafe with cuddly cats pounce to No. 1.
Development
Construction of a 1.2 million-sqft industrial park on Garrison Road in West Charlotte is expected to begin later this summer. A new road is planned around the site, connecting West Boulevard to Dixie River Road. The project is near The River District and may take a year to complete. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Trending
Shout out to Carolina Ascent FC for finishing their season No. 1 in the league. The women’s professional soccer team holds the record for the USL Super League’s longest unbeaten streak of 11 games. (WCNC)
Feel Good
Bar, Bar, Bar, Bar, Barbara Ann. Students from Phillips Academy were invited on stage with The Beach Boys and actor John Stamos during their concert at The Amp Ballantyne last Saturday. The kids sang along to the hit song “Barbara Ann.” (WCNC)
Listen
Is David Tepper stepping back from day-to-day operations? Go beyond the war room for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Older Adults
Are you 62 or older with limited income? This is a must-read. Did you know a reverse mortgage lets homeowners 62+ turn home equity into cash without monthly payments? See how it works and view Money’s list of the best annuities to find options with A+ BBB ratings and competitive pricing.*
They came, they saw, and they made us laugh every step and song of the way. The Savannah Bananas’ two-night performance at Bank of America Stadium this past weekend brought a combined 148,000 fans, making it the largest weekend in Banana Ball history.
We loved the fun cameos from Greg Olsen, Luke Kuechly, Adam Thielen, and Andy Dalton. And @jacksonolsen_, you belong on Taylor Swift’s next world tour.
The shoe of the summer: sneaker mules (aka smules). Effortlessly stylish and easy to slip on, these can be paired with your go-to shorts, sundresses, linen jumpsuits, and more. These are five of our favorites:
👟 Under $150: Dolce Vita’s sporty-chic sneaker mules in a fun + flirty pink floral pattern.
👟 Under $80: This pair by Anne Klein that will go with practically everything in your closet.
👟 Under $60: Blowfish Malibu’s platform style with adjustable lacing and a unique patterned insole.
👟 Under $50: These Naturalizer white leather smules made with comfort technology for all-day walking.
👟 Under $30: These canvas kicks available in 15+ colors and constructed with a memory foam insole for maximum comfort.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
After City Editor Maria’s quest for the viral dirty soda, 73% of voters said Cheerwine with vanilla, cinnamon, and half-and-half is the flavor that best represents Charlotte. Others (21%) believe Charlotte is regal and smooth, like Coke + vanilla and coconut cream. A small group (5%) feel the Queen City is bright and refreshing, like Sprite + lime, mint, and coconut cream.
The Wrap
The Wrap
I think it’s fantastic the Queen City is showing ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale some love with a new invitational coming this fall. Growing up in Kentucky, Mr. Vitale was an all-too-common voice in my family’s household during college basketball season, especially during the annual “Battle of the Bluegrass” between the University of Louisville and The University of Kentucky. Go Cards!
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