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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'Dilworth: I Want to Touch Your Bungalow'

After grabbing brunch in South Park today, my girlfriend and I stopped into South End. We enjoyed a cold one and watched some beach volleyball live in the parking lot of All American Pub (it's South End Beach Week). As we were walking back to the car, she wanted to go into The Boulevard at South End. While she browsed the racks, I saw these funny Charlotte-centric and South Carolina-esque themed bottle openers, by Not Made In China.

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'Man v. Food Nation' Takes on Charlotte

Last night's episode of Man v. Food Nation on Travel Channel showcased Charlotte eateries that you've either made a beeline to often or at least have heard people rave over. Host Adam Richman and crew visited Charlotte a few months ago to try out popular or extreme menu items at The Penguin Drive-In (Plaza Midwood), Price's Chicken Coop (South End), and Jackalope Jacks (Elizabeth). The Penguin's Double Pounder (pictured below), with four half-pound patties (two pounds of beef), pimento cheese, and fried pickles, is the star of the show (and a cardiac event waiting to happen).

Source: travelchannel.com.

I can personally attest to the mouthwatering goodness served at The Penguin and Price's, but I've never eaten at Jackalope. If you missed the show last night, it re-airs this Saturday at 12 p.m. You can also watch a few video clips from the episode by clicking here.

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