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Sports
Sports
🏀 Postseason worth celebrating
The atmosphere at the Spectrum Center was electric when the Hornets went into overtime in the SoFi Play-In Tournament. | Photo by CLTtoday
Editor Maria, here. I was cheering so hard when LaMelo Ball sank this layup in the final few seconds of the first game of the SoFi Play-In Tournament at the Spectrum Center. That shot was the Charlotte Hornets’ game-winning play in overtime against the Miami Heat.
Tuesday’s game marked the team’s first postseason game in Uptown since 2016 — and the highest-attended Hornets game ever at the Spectrum Center, with 19,698 fans. Not only are they one step closer to the NBA Playoffs, but the team is giving Charlotte sports fans another reason to celebrate.
📺 Watching Buzz City
Charlotte will next play the loser of the Orlando Magic-Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, and here’s how you can cheer them on:
Editor’s Pick: Panda Fest | Friday, April 17-Sunday, April 19 | Times vary | Route 29 Pavilion, Concord | $10+ | Celebrate the food, art, and traditions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
HomeTrust Bank combines local expertise, modern tools, and personal service to help customers move forward with confidence. | Photo provided by HomeTrust Bank
Since 1926, HomeTrust Bank has helped individuals, families, and businesses move forward with confidence. Customers benefit from personalized guidance, local decision-making, and hands-on support that larger banks can’t match.
With a full suite of services — consumer banking, mortgages, wealth management, commercial lending, and treasury solutions — HomeTrust makes it easy to manage finances, plan milestones, and grow your business.
Their century of experience ensures customers always have a trusted partner by their side.
Construction on the express lanes is not expected to start until after 2030.
Rendering via NCDOT
Community
NCDOT is launching an 11-person Community Advisory Group to help shape the I-77 South Express Lanes project. Applications for the panel will be accepted through Friday, April 24. Read up on the project.
Plan Ahead
But wait, there’s more. The Carolina BBQ Festival kicks off tomorrow, April 17, at Victoria Yards. This is your chance to sample barbecue from five pitmasters before the main event on Saturday, April 18. It’s one of our most anticipated events of the month.
Announced
Usher and Chris Brown will tear up the stage at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, July 17. Ticket sales start on Tuesday, April 21. I’ll be excitedly waiting in the Ticketmaster queue.
Civic
The NC General Assembly is considering a constitutional amendment that would limit the amount by which local governments can increase property taxes each year, but Mecklenburg County leaders are calling for a budget instead. They say a budget would contribute to a pay increase for CMS teachers. (WCNC)
Wellness
Are your allergies feeling worse than normal? Local allergists say the lack of rain and drought conditions are causing the pollen to stay airborne. They recommend showering after going outside, keeping the windows closed, and washing your car. (WSOC)
Biz
Dallas-based BNG Hospitality recently acquired Charlotte City Club, an Uptown staple since 1947. The club is looking to start a new chapter and has already implemented changes like no food or drink minimums, breakfast hours, and event space rentals for non-members. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Cause
Charlotte nonprofit Hope Haven announced its community chefs competing during Next Level Hope, a fundraiser bringing the city’s top chefs and food creators together. Mark your calendar for Friday, May 15 — tickets are $125.
Outdoors
The Pisgah Conservancy launched the Pisgah Bridge Adventure Challenge, a family-friendly way to explore bridges and footlogs along Pisgah trails. All you have to do is visit the five bridge destinations by Aug. 15, take a selfie, and submit it to The Pisgah Conservancy for a chance to win prizes.
Category
Try This
📜 Step into history
Get ready to learn more about Charlotte’s role in America’s founding. | Photo via Charlotte Museum of History
The Queen City may have celebrated its 250th year of independence in 2025, but this year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States — and a local museum is welcoming you to an immersive exhibition to celebrate.
Charlotte Museum of History is celebrating with “American Revolution, the Augmented Exhibition.” The virtual reality exhibition puts you in the middle of key moments — from crossing the Delaware with George Washington to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Fun fact: This is the exhibition’s only stop in the Carolinas.
History buffs will also see a dedicated gallery to Charlotte’s role in the American Revolution and learn about locals involved in the Revolutionary War, like Hezekiah Alexander, the framer of NC’s first Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Tickets start at $17, and include a tour of the Alexander Rock House. The exhibition will run through April 2027.
The Buy
Pop quiz. What can you wear while 1) driving 2) drinking your morning coffee, or 3) reading this newsletter to look more awake and help under eyes glow? Under eye patches. Be an under eye patch influencer and work these into your morning routine:
👁️ These award-winning under eye patches employ collagen, snail mucin, and hyaluronic acid to get the job done — you should notice an immediate difference in puffiness.
👁️ Go for green tea under eye patches to get the energizing benefits of caffeine directly on your skin — you’ll get 30 in a pack.
👁️ One of the most popular brands is grace & stella. Try a variety pack to learn which key ingredient — whether retinol, caffeine, or firming peptides — makes the biggest difference to your skin.
What a year for Charlotte sports. I can’t put into words how excited I am for the Hornets. They were the first professional team I saw when I moved to Charlotte in 2018. To see them win in the Play-In Tournament and have a real shot at the NBA Playoffs, I’m hoping they go all the way!
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