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⚽️ Sports hub loading...
The Eastland Sports Complex is anticipated to open by late 2028. | Photo by CLTtoday
“East side, we did it!” That’s what Mayor Pro Tem James “Smuggie” Mitchell said before breaking ground last Friday on the Eastland Sports Complex (ESC), a $67.1 million youth sports hub, coming to Eastland Yards.
Plans call for six outdoor soccer fields, 10 basketball courts, volleyball courts, and more to be managed by the Charlotte Soccer Academy. In addition to youth sports, city leaders aim for the ESC to be a community hub.
Charlotte City Council packed the stage to break ground on the upcoming Eastland Sports Complex.
Rendering via City of Charlotte + photo by CLTtoday
“We’re going to continue to explore ways to bring life back to this side, including ice skating and ice hockey — something many people here would love to see again,” said District 5 Representative JD Mazuera Arias.
Food for thought: The project is expected to generate $169 million for the city, create 500+ jobs, and fill 130,000 hotel rooms annually.
Construction is expected to last 10-14 months, with the opening anticipated by late 2028.
The Charlotte Knights are requesting $13.3 million from the City of Charlotte to upgrade Truist Field. The funds would contribute to $40 million worth of improvements, including updating existing systems and fan improvements. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Mansion Monday
How does like a lakeside retreat sound? This six-bedroom home on Lake Norman boasts an open floor plan, saltwater pool, guest loft, and private lake access. It’s giving paradise.
Edu
Do you know a school in Mecklenburg County that deserves some love? Nominate them for Zepeddie’s Pizzeria’s contest, where an elementary school can win 50 free pizzas for its teachers. The LoSo pizzeria is hosting the contest as a way to celebrate local educators.
Kids
Speaking of education... The Levine Museum of the New South is offering multi-day spring break and summer camps. The camps are built around two themes: sports and chocolate — both rooted in local history. The camps are designed for students in second through fifth grades.
Film
Cue the theme music. Warner Bros. is planning a film adaptation of “Game of Thrones,” set 300 years before the events of the iconic series. While we wait, the Carolina Renaissance Festival in the fall is the closest thing we’ve got to a Westeros-bound teleport.(Guardian)
The Word
Swiftie. The term is officially in the dictionary, defined as “a fan of the music of Taylor Swift.” While Swift isn’t set to perform in Charlotte anytime soon, there are plenty of other upcoming concerts to look forward to in the Queen City.
$0. That’s how much 94% of Nourish patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian covered by their insurance. You could be covered, too — check your coverage + get matched with a dietitian who can cut through the food noise and build you a plan to thrive.*
Health
Rates of early-onset Colorectal Cancer are rising among younger adults— and experts at Novant Health say awareness is key. Knowing the symptoms, risk factors, and when to get screened could make a lifesaving difference. Learn what young adults should know + how to stay proactive about their health.*
Category
Try This
🦀 A taste of Maryland
Crab cakes come in small, medium, and large sizes, starting at $12. | Photo by CLTtoday
The Lake Norman-area woman-owned carryout and catering kitchen serves handcrafted crab cakes, creamy crab soup, crabby mac and cheese, and crab dip, all made from scratch by owner Rebecca Tapper.
“We’ve got people driving from three hours away just to try our crab cakes,” Tapper told CLTtoday.
Poppy’s also serves as a tribute to Tapper’s late father.
“It’s named after my father. He loved cooking and crab, and North Carolina needs some good seafood,” Tapper said. “This kitchen is a piece of him, and every dish keeps his memory alive.”
The menu is minimal, letting the lump crab shine — just like in the Chesapeake Bay — with little filler or breading in the crab cakes.
My pro tip: Show up hungry.
The Buy
Travel-size mouthwash you can take anywhere. Perfect for vacations, tossing in your purse, or keeping in the glovebox, this TSA-approved, top-rated mouthwash comes in portable pouches so you can freshen up anytime, anywhere. Bonus: It’s alcohol-free and safe for sensitive teeth.
In case you were curious, here’s everything I tried at Poppy’s: A Taste of Maryland. A big “thank you” to Rebecca for having me — I can’t tell you how fast I ate that crab dip and mac and cheese. I’m so happy to say I walked away with a new friend.
Be sure to get an order of the mac and cheese — the cheese pull is so satisfying.
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