Charlotte Hounds Kicking Off 2014 Season

It's a busy time across the city for Charlotte professional sports, with the Bobcats competing in the NBA playoffs for just the second time in franchise history, and the Knights opening their new Uptown ballpark a couple of weeks ago. Now, it's the Charlotte Hounds' turn to take center field, which means if you're a local sports fan, you should give our Major League Lacrosse team your undivided attention. Likely still under the radar to some who didn't realize Charlotte has an MLL team, the Hounds are beginning their third season this Saturday, April 26.

Credit: facebook.com/charlottehounds

I remember blogging about the announcement in 2011 that Charlotte was getting an MLL franchise. Now, the team plays a 14-game regular season schedule, one game a week, usually on Saturdays but also a couple of Friday games. The Hounds play home games at American Legion Memorial Stadium, just outside of Uptown, and they open the season at home this Saturday at 7 p.m. against the Ohio Machine. Expectations are high for the Hounds in 2014 because they made it to the MLL championship game last season, eventually losing by one point to the defending champions, Chesapeake Bayhawks.

Credit: twitter.com/CharlotteMLL

Tickets to home games range from $12.50 to $42.50. And new this season, about half of the Hounds' games--some home, some away--are scheduled to air on FOX Sports Regional Networks, including this Saturday's season opener. You can show your support for the team on social media using the hashtag #ReleasetheHounds (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram). Visit charlottehounds.com.

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What's In the Box? Charlotte Knights Unveil New Team Colors, Logo, and Merchandise

If you follow the Charlotte Knights on Twitter, and happened to see the team's feed today, you were probably asking: What's in the box? (Though you likely didn't drop the F-bomb.)

The Charlotte Knights promotions department came up with a clever, social media-powered strategy to generate interest leading up to the team's big announcement this evening, as well as to tie-in with the Triple-A club's move from Fort Mill to the new Uptown Charlotte baseball stadium. Below are several of the photos the team posted to its Twitter account today, beginning around noon and continuing until tonight.

Photos credit: @KnightsBaseball

So as you see, the Knights have debuted a new team logo and colors. The new designs and merchandise were formally unveiled during an event this evening at the Charlotte Convention Center. Here's how the look is described in the announcement on the team's website:

"In keeping with a medieval theme, the Knights new image showcases gold and silver, colors synonymous with royalty. The team's four on-field caps feature a base color of black with white accents, creating a classic combination of colors unique within Minor League Baseball. The font-style in the team's word emblem "Knights" has an Olde English look similar to professional baseball's Charlotte Hornets circa 1950."

Below is a look at the old logo against the new logo (in case you're wondering, it's already been updated on Wikipedia).

I must say, I like the new look. It looks fiercer, which is what I prefer in sports teams' branding. The Knights hired Brandiose, a San Diego-based design firm to create the new look. Brandiose has designed new identities for minor league and major league teams.

This new look will certainly add to the excitement for what's already an exciting time for the team (don't forget they added their first-ever cheerleader squad, The KnightinGals, last spring), led by its move to the under-construction BB&T Ballpark in Uptown. The stadium is scheduled to be completed in time for the Knights to begin playing there at the start of the 2014 season. Their home opener is Friday, April 11, at 7:05 p.m.

BB&T Ballpark rendering. Credit: charlotteknightsatuptown.com

Keep up with all things Charlotte Knights by visiting charlotteknights.com.

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Name the Charlotte Knights Dance Team

UPDATE 4/12/13: The dance team has been named The KnightinGals (video).

For the first time ever, the Charlotte Knights have a dance team (cheerleaders). The group of ladies debuted last weekend during the Triple-A baseball team's annual fan event, Knights Fest. Now, team officials are asking you to name the dance team.

To help with your brainstorming, consider the names of Charlotte's other professional sports dance teams/cheerleaders. The Carolina Panthers (NFL) have the TopCats; the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA) have the LadyCats; and the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) have the CheckMates. Quick side note: someone should organize an annual beauty pageant in which our city's professional cheerleaders compete. I'd pay to see that (swimsuit competition).

The Charlotte Knights dance team. Credit: Facebook

Back to the issue at hand, what do you think the Charlotte Knights dance team should be named? My suggestion is "Ladies of the Knight." Provocative, I know. Well, you're encouraged to email your suggestions to Media Relations Director Tommy Viola at tommyv@charlotteknights.com. Entries must be received by Tuesday, April 9 at 5 p.m. The winning name will be revealed at the Knights' opening day, Thursday, April 11, during the dance team's pre-game performance.

The Knights dance team is scheduled to perform at 11 home games this season:

Thursday, April 11
Saturday, April 20
Saturday, April 27
Saturday, May 11
Saturday, June 1
Saturday, June 15
Saturday, June 29
Saturday, July 6
Saturday, July 27
Saturday, August 17
Saturday, August 31

As you likely know, the Knights are currently playing their final season at their stadium in Fort Mill, where they've played since 1990. The team's future home will be in Charlotte proper, when the brand-spanking new BB&T Ballpark opens in Uptown next spring.

For more details on the Knights' 2013 season, visit charlotteknights.com.

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Gamecock Fan Fest Tour Kicks Off Wednesday at Charlotte Knights Stadium

My email inbox has been getting flooded with events lately as it seems like this is the time of year when so much is going on. Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with. But I was delighted when I received an email reminder today from the USC Charlotte Gamecock Club about the Gamecock Fan Fest Tour. The tour kicks off this Wednesday, May 11 at Charlotte Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, and is traveling across the state of South Carolina to promote the 2011 football season, making six stops over two weeks. Lucky for us South Carolina Gamecock fans and alumni who live in Charlotte, Fort Mill is just over the state line.

With the success of the Fan Fest held at the Garnet and Black Spring Game in April, the Gamecock Club decided to take the show on the road. Photo via South Carolina Gamecocks' Flickr.

Presented by the Gamecock Club, each tour event will last from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and will feature Coach Steve Spurrier, current student-athletes from the local area, Cocky and the cheerleaders, photo opportunities with football and baseball trophies (SEC Eastern Division Championship in football and National Championship in baseball), kids activities, and live music from Tokyo Joe. Admission is only $5.

Here are the Gamecock Fan Fest spring dates and locations:

May 11: Charlotte Knights Baseball Stadium
May 16: Charleston Riverdogs Stadium
May 17: USC-Aiken
May 18: Greenville Drive Stadium
May 24: USC-Sumter
May 25: Darlington Raceway

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Events for the Week: April 27-May 3

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends.

Wednesday, April 29

Quail Hollow Championship Pro-Am
See the best golfers in the world paired up with some of your favorite celebrities, like Tiger Woods with Peyton Manning, during this Wednesday exhibition before the official tournament starts. First tee time is 7:30 a.m. Ticket sales have ended (go holler at the scalpers). Visit website for parking and shuttle information. Quail Hollow Club, 3700 Gleneagles Rd. www.quailhollowchampionship.com.

Neo Soul Listening Party (weekly event)
This soulful evening is hosted by V101.9 personality Chirl Girl. Featuring live music by Kobi Keys and Company. 6-10 p.m. Free. Utopia Restaurant, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.utopianc.com.

Pop Life (weekly event)
It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night and a lot is going on with this week’s edition. It’s being hosted by R&B singer Letoya Luckett and will feature presentations by Flawless Make Up (6-9 p.m.). This event will also serve as a “Buzz Party” for the American Black Film Festival. Music by DJ Technics. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. www.apostrophelounge.com.

Thursday, April 30

Quail Hollow Championship
Thursday through Sunday you’ll find the best golfers in the world—Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh, Anthony Kim, Jim Furyk, and more—competing in this annual golf tournament, formerly known as the Wachovia Championship. First tee time is 7 a.m. Ticket sales have ended (go holler at the scalpers). Visit website for parking and shuttle information. Quail Hollow Club, 3700 Gleneagles Rd. www.quailhollowchampionship.com.

Alive After Five (weekly event)
The newly combined Alive After Five is now at its new home, the EpiCentre. Enjoy live music by this week’s band, Voltage Brothers, and plenty of drinks from cash bars scattered throughout. Wristbands get you into Blackfinn, Whisky River, Suite, and StrikeCity. 5-9:30 p.m. Free. Pavilion at EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.aliveafterfiveatepicentre.com.

Thirsty Thursday
Watch the Charlotte Knights take on the Syracuse Chiefs while you enjoy $2 beers. 7:15 p.m. $7-$13. Charlotte Knights Stadium, 2280 Deerfield Dr., Fort Mill, SC. www.charlotteknights.com.

Friday, May 1

South End Gallery Crawl
Tour seven art galleries throughout historic South End during this monthly gallery crawl. Participating galleries are Charlotte Art League, Ciel Gallery, DoMa Gallery, Elder Art Gallery, Hidell Brooks Gallery, McColl Fine Art, and Siskate Gallery. 6-9 p.m. Free. Begin the crawl at Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. www.historicsouthend.com.

Friday Afterwork Rendezvous (weekly event)
End your workweek on a high note at this networking party, held at a different venue each Friday. Enjoy drink specials and two-for-one appetizers this week. Music by DJ 06. Presented by Talk of the Town. 6-11 p.m. Free. LaVecchia’s Restaurant, 225 E. Sixth St.

Piedmont Town Center After Five
South Park's newest live music and social event kicks off this Friday evening with a special golf tournament edition. Come mingle with the fans leaving Quail Hollow as well as the South Park socialites. Next week the event begins its weekly Wednesday schedule (5-9:30 p.m.). This Friday is a later version, 7-11 p.m. Free. Piedmont Town Center, intersection of Fairview Road and Piedmont Row Drive, near Brio's, Del Frisco's, and Oceanaire. www.ptcafterfive.com.

1st Fridays Charlotte
It’s touted as the number one urban event and after-party, and it draws a large crowd each month at a different venue. This month it returns to one of Charlotte’s newest nightclubs. Presented by Dee Autry, Troy Veale, and Thomas Washington. Music by DJ Chase. Décor 1202, 1202 Charlottetowne Ave. 10 p.m. $15 in advance. Ladies free before 10:30. www.ticketannex.com.

Saturday, May 2

Spring Fling Block Party
Warm weather means it’s time for a block party. Plenty of drink specials and the music will be blasting into the streets around the club. 6 p.m.-until. $5 in advance, $15 at the gate. Music by DJ Boney B. Rustic Martini, 616 N. Tryon St. www.rusticmartini.net.

Carolina Speed vs. D.C. Armor
Enjoy indoor football and root for the home team. Or come just to watch the Velocity Girls perform on the sidelines and during halftime. 7 p.m. $8-$20. Bojangles’ Coliseum (formerly Cricket Arena), 2700 E. Independence Blvd. www.carolinaspeed.com.

The Royal Treatment
Put on your stylish digs and come ready to party. Presented by Maz Entertainment. 10 p.m. Free before midnight with an email pass—visit website for details. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.mazentertainment.net.

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Events for the Week: June 30-July 6

Note: If I learn of more events for the week, I'll update this post.

Monday, June 30

Welcome reception for new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe
Sponsored by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Black Women’s Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Urban League of the Central Carolinas, and the John Leary Bar Association. Free. 6 p.m. The Urban League of Central Carolina, 740 West Fifth St.
GPT says: Chief Monroe is expected to talk about the recent arrests of corrupt cops, use of excessive force, and gang violence. You have a lot on your plate, buddy.

Tuesday, July 1

Tone X and Friends
Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy, live skits, improv, and music, along with a performance by the Hunnie Dipz Dancers. $15. 8 p.m. Skandalos, 5317 E. Independence Blvd.
GPT says: It's a weekly hood affair. If you enjoy the comedy of Power 98's Tone X on the No Limit Larry and the Morning Maddhouse show then you'll likely enjoy this event.

Wednesday, July 2

Pop Life
This is the city’s most popular Wednesday networking event. Sponsored by Creative Loafing and the Sol Kitchen. Free. 6 p.m. Loft 1523, 1523 Elizabeth Ave.
GPT says: The crowd, filled with attractive movers and shakers, usually peaks around 9 p.m., but people often hang well past 11 p.m.

Wine Down Wednesdays
This is the kickoff for the new weekly series. Enjoy wine at $5 a glass, along with complimentary cheese and fruit. Sponsored by Millennium Beverage. Music by DJ Silvio. Free. 6 p.m. Prevue, 2909 N. Davidson St. (NoDa).
GPT says: Looks like Prevue is trying to fill the void left by Pop Life, which was held there last year. Now it’s competition.

Thursday, July 3

Alive After Five
This Charlotte staple is in its eighth year. From spring to fall you’ll find young (and not so young) professionals coming to this outdoor after-work party each Thursday. Free. 5-9 p.m. Wachovia Plaza, corners of Tryon St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Epicentre at Five
Epicentre is the new hotspot, with its new bars and clubs (Whisky River, Suite, Howl At The Moon, and more to come). And now there’s an outdoor after-work party to compete with Alive After Five. Free. 5 p.m. Pavilion at Epicentre, 210 E. Trade St.
GPT says: So far Epicentre at Five hasn’t proved to be much different than Alive After Five. But it’ll continue to draw a good crowd because it’s new.

Thirsty Thursday
Watch the Charlotte Knights as they take on Norfolk. Enjoy $2 beers. Tickets $7-$12. 7:15 p.m. Knights Stadium, 2280 Deerfield Dr., Fort Mill, S.C.
GPT says: Two bucks for beer—enough said.

An Evening with Gil Scott-Heron
He’ll be performing his timeless music and poetry with a full band. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. (NoDa). http://www.neighborhoodtheatre.com/.

The American Dream Pre-Independence Day Edition
Six Figure Entertainment is taking its party to the north side. Price varies; get there early. 10:30 p.m. P.F. Chang’s, 10325 Perimeter Parkway (in front of Northlake Mall).
GPT says: Six Figure’s parties are usually well-attended with attractive young professionals. Expect the same with this one.

Summer Love In This Club
Pre-Fourth of July party sponsored by Inner Circle Events. Crowd will be filling the Pravda lounge, roof top terrace, mezzanine level, and VIP areas. Music by Washington D.C.’s DJ Harry Hotter and Charlotte’s DJ Daddy D. Price varies; get there early. 10 p.m. Forum, 300 N. College St.
GPT says: Inner Circle has one of the best followings among Charlotte’s party promoters. Expect to see the city’s who’s who along with out-of-towners, and you might just run into an old college classmate or two.

Too bad we can't light our own fireworks in Charlotte.

Friday, July 4

Fourth of July Rooftop Party
Music and drink specials while enjoying a great view of the uptown fireworks. Complimentary appetizers. $5. 7-11 p.m. Holiday Inn Charlotte Center City, 230 N. College St.

Slick Rick
He’s The Ruler and he’s performing live. Hosted by Q92.7’s DJ Stacey Blackman and VH1’s DJ Base $25. 9 p.m. Amos’ Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St.

Fantasy Nights and Flashing Lights
This is a new fashion entertainment and networking event. Top models are promised to be in attendance. $20. 10 p.m. Grand Central, 1000 Central Ave. (not the one on Tryon Street in uptown).
GPT says: Don’t know much about this, but if models from King and Maxim are going to actually be there, it could be worth checking out.

Saturday, July 5

Fantasia's Birthday Affair
Singer and Broadway star Fantasia turned 24 this week and she's celebrating with a party Saturday. The promoters claim she will be there. $20. 9 p.m. NV Nightclub, 20924 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius.
GPT says: Look for Fantasia's large entourage to be in tow, including boyfriend rapper Young Dro.

Bun B
The surviving half of the legendary UGK will be performing live. Power 98's Mr. Incognito will be Djing. Cost varies; ladies free before 11 p.m. Doors open 10 p.m. Club Eclipse, 3746 N. Davidson St.

Sunday, July 6

The Sunday Night Jazz Suite
Local, regional, and national jazz artists perform in an intimate setting. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a wine tasting reception. $15. 6:30 p.m. Madison’s, 115 E. 5th St.
GPT says: Sounds like a classy affair worth spending an evening.

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