The Charlotte Crown will paint the BoPlex purple in May 2026. | Photo by CLTtoday
In 2024, the Queen City debuted a new women’s professional soccer team. One year later, the Upshot League and Zawyer Sports & Entertainment — the group that owns the Charlotte Checkers and Gastonia Ghost Peppers — officially announced the Charlotte Crown will hit the court as the city’s newest professional women’s basketball team in May 2026.
The Crown will represent the Queen City in the new Upshot League, along with teams from Savannah, GA; Jacksonville, FL; and Greenville, NC.
Head Coach Trisha Stafford-Odom is ready to bring women’s basketball to Charlotte.
Photo by CLTtoday
“Prepare for an exciting and winning style of basketball where intensity and intelligence dominate,” Head Coach and former WNBA star Trisha Stafford-Odom told CLTtoday.
The 34-game season will run mid-May through mid-August, and the team will be comprised of post-collegiate athletes, including several WNBA-first-round draft picks who don’t sign with the pro league.
“I want people to feel relaxed when they come watch us play really, really good basketball,” added Stafford-Odom.
Ace No. 3 has officially opened its fourth eatery in the Queen City. The popular burger spot will be open daily within the One South building. But wait, there’s more — Krazy Curry is also welcoming hungry diners for its Indian buffet, lunch, and dinner.
Development
Construction could soon start on the upcoming Iron District. Trammell Crow submitted plans for ~4.2 acres along West Morehead, South Clarkson, and South Cedar streets for a six-story, 355-unit building with space for retail + parking. A timeline remains TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)
City
Charlotte is keeping its lead as the largest municipality in the Tar Heel State. According to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, the city’s population has grown by about 70,000 people since 2020. Check out the full list. (WCNC)
Active
Mecklenburg County Public Health is launching a 16-week fitness challenge starting tomorrow, Oct. 11. MeckMoves encourages movement and will feature health screenings, starting at the McCrorey YMCA on Beatties Ford Road. Register to get moving.
Charlottean
Charlotte native Leslie Hamilton has become the first documented person to swim across Lake Norman. Hamilton started her swim at 5:01 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, and finished the next day at 7:50 a.m. — that’s just over 14 hours. The swim is pending ratification by the Marathon Swimmers Federation. (WCNC)
Sports
Who could be Buzz City’s “hinge player?” Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
“Keep Pounding” is more than a slogan for the Carolina Panthers.
Photos via Atrium Health Levine Cancer
Feel Good
Several members of the Carolina Panthers surprised patients earlier this week at Atrium Health Levine Cancer’s infusion clinic. The team spent time sharing stories and reminding everyone to “Keep Pounding.” (WSOC)
Why should the summer months have all the fun? Avoid the crowds and spend a refreshing weekend on the coast in Wilmington & Beaches, NC. Enjoy dinners on a private barrier island, ghost tours in historic downtown, and cozy coastal vibes. Start planning.*
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The Charlotte Checkers are introducing their team dog, Biscuit, courtesy of Charlotte Dog Club. While Biscuit appears to be a Bernadoodle or St. Bernard mix, we can say with 100% confidence that he’s the goodest boy already.
The announcement comes just in time, as the Checkers’ season hits the ice Oct. 17 at Bojangles Coliseum.
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.
What year did Dr. Charles Sifford join the PGA Tour?
Charlotte, you know your golf legends — 51% responded correctly. Dr. Charles Sifford joined the PGA Tour in 1961. Did you also know that he was the first Black golfer to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004? Such a legend.
Speaking of the Checkers... The team had an open practice yesterday, and they are looking sharp. I’m hoping for a Calder Cup win this year! Psst... If you look closely, you can see the puck flying into the goal.
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