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Corporate Member of the Month:
The Sports Commission is extremely fortunate to have Sprint as our Corporate Member of the Quarter. This internationally recognized communications company offers a comprehensive range of services, (wireless and wireline) to businesses, governmental units and consumers of all kinds. Their portfolio of offered services is second to none. Sprint also plays a huge role as the title sponsor of NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series as well as a key sponsor of our Fight Night for Kids charity event each January. |
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Welcome New Members! |
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Ascension Aviation
Bronze Level
Thanks go out to Brian Vickers and Amanda Combs for their fantastic support.
BDO Seidman, LLP
Bronze Level
Thanks to Tony Leonard, Development Director of the Charlotte office for one of the nation's top accounting firms.
Residence Inn by Marriott at SouthPark
Bronze Level
"Thank You" to Chuck Gardner and the staff of one of Charlotte's best hospitality properties.
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New Team Players
The Charlotte Regional Sports Commission would like to take the time to thank Curt Pires of Cap Sports Group and Drayton Henderson of Bank of America for joining the team.
Click here for more info on becoming a Team Player! | |
| CHARLOTTE REGIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION
Board of Directors
Mike Crum
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
Chairman
Sally Ashworth
Lake Norman Convention & Visitors Bureau
Jim Bailey
Red Moon Marketing
Tim Crist
Wachovia Corporation
Treasurer
Tom Donaldson
McGuire Woods LLP
Group
Secretary
Jim Garges
Mecklenburg Co. Parks & Rec.
Vicki Hamilton
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Kym Hougham
Wachovia Championship
David Johnston
Summit Sports & Entertainment
Stephen Joyner
Johnson C. Smith Athletics
Ron Kimble
City of Charlotte
Jim Murphy
Davidson College Athletics
Mark Norman
Johnson & Wales University
Chuck Price
Bank of America
Dan Rajkowski
Charlotte Knights
Judy Rose
Charlotte 49ers Athletics
Jeff Ross
Charlotte Bobcats
Carl Scheer
Charlotte Checkers
Marcus Smith
Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
Henry Thomas
Carolina Panthers
Frank Yoho
Piedmont Natural Gas |
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| Please visit the following websites for local sports schedules: |
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NEED SPORTS?
www.charlottesports.org |
10 Years Benefitting the Fight Night for Kids Foundation |
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For information about attending the 10th Annual Fight Night for Kids, please email Jeff Beaver. | |
Greetings!
TO CHARLOTTE SPORTS COMMISSION MEMBERS & FRIENDS:
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Message From Jeff Beaver, Executive Director 
Well, they said it couldn't be done or, at least, that the various Local Organizing Committees would be hard pressed to successfully host three straight very significant collegiate basketball tournaments in Charlotte within a 33 day time frame, but the results indicate, that as in the past, "Team Charlotte" was once again up to the task!
The CIAA Men's and Women's tournaments kicked off the aptly named HOOP DAYS and was topped off with our very own JCSU men's team winning their championship. It has been recently reported that the total economic impact realized for the Region is approximately $30,000,000; and, the icing on the cake is the news that the conference has decided to return to the QueenCity in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Many doubters scoffed at the idea that we could "handle" the crowds for the 55th Annual ACC Men's Tournament later in the month. However, after perhaps one of the most successful and entertaining events ever held by the ACC, the conference has already expressed its gratitude for the efforts put forth and the results produced by all those involved. We hope they will be back sooner rather than later.
The 2008 NCAA Division I Men's East Regional was our 3rd straight event, and all indications point to the fact that the likelihood that we will again host this great tournament is now a much better possibility than ever.
The common theme throughout the entire month of March was "teamwork, teamwork, teamwork!" Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte 49ers Athletics, the CRVA, CATS, and especially Bobcats Sports & Entertainment, naming just a few, are some of the key organizations which worked so hard to get things done in such an efficient and professional manner. It is always an honor to play a small part in such a large undertaking to maintain Charlotte's tradition as "the city where champions are crowned." |
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Congratulations to...
Queens University runner Daniel Kanyaruhuru won the gold in the 5,000m race at the 2008 NCAA D-II Indoor T&F Championships in March.
Butler High's Spencer Adams won the 60m hurdles at the National Scholastic Indoor T&F Championships in New York.
JCSU's Leford Green won the 400m and the Golden Bull's Shermaine Williams won the 60m hurdles at the NCAA D-II Indoor T&F Championships in March.
Steve Joyner was recognized for his incredible record and his unselfish work at Johnson C Smith by having the floor of Brayboy Gymnasium named in his honor as Stephen Joyner Sr. Court.
Vicki Hamilton
Congratulations to Vicki Hamilton, Athletic Director for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, on being inducted into the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame. Her hard work and continued efforts toward improving athletics in schools has not gone unnoticed. She served on the steering committee for the ACC Basketball Championships and has an astonishing list of achievements including: NC Athletic Director of the Year (2005) and Carolinas' Athlete of the Year Humanitarian Award. She is such a humble and outstanding individual and we are glad to have been a part of the induction ceremony. Thanks for all your work Ms. Hamilton and again, congratulations on your induction!
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Inside Hoop Days
Hoop Days in Charlotte was a tremendous success by any measure. Three major basketball tournaments occurred over a five week time frame, utilizing many of the same personnel from many agencies for each. The CRVA and Bobcats Arena staff did a wonderful job of hosting the games in the arena, which is where it is most critical. In addition, the three Local Organizing Committees (LOC's) took on a wide array of responsibilities to make sure the tournament hosts, student-athletes, fans and city staff had the information and planning necessary to make the events fun and run smoothly. The CRSC played a big role in each LOC with varying responsibilities. The CRSC staff coordinated volunteers, communicated plans and details to city departments, provided media, marketing, public relations and financial assistance to each. We like to say that we "connect the dots" in many of our daily activities, and this could not have been more true or useful than in these 5 weeks. Our efforts, while behind-the-scenes, paid big dividends which we hope will lead Charlotte to many other events of this type. We're excited about our role in improving Charlotte's already great resume in hosting events of all types!
ACC Legends Brunch 2008
On Saturday, March 15th, over 750 people came to the Westin Hotel to honor 12 true Legends of the ACC. The following Legends were honored and regaled the crowd with stories from their playing and coaching days: Bill Curley, Boston College; Elden Campbell, Clemson; Mike Gminski, Duke; Charlie Ward, Florida State; Kenny Anderson, Georgia Tech; Lefty Driesell, Maryland; Tim James, Miami; Dean Smith, North Carolina; Lorenzo Charles, NC State; John Crotty, Virginia; Glen Combs, Virginia Tech; and Len Chappell, Wake Forest. Mike Hogwood, Bobby Cremins and Tim Brant did a great job as emcees. Several of the Legends stayed after the event and graciously signed autographs for those in attendance. |
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The Palisades Collegiate Golf Classic, presented by Bank of America
Fourteen college golf teams will travel to The Palisades Country Club in southwest Charlotte to participate in the 2008 Palisades Collegiate Golf Classic. The 54-hole tournament will be held Monday and Tuesday, April 14-15. Belmont Abbey, Charlotte and Davidson are the local hosts of this great tournament.
The participating teams include 6 teams who played in their respective NCAA Regional Tournaments and 3 teams that finished in the top 6 in their NCAA National Championship: Charlotte - t3rd, USC Upstate - 2nd (D-II), and Belmont Abbey - 6th (D-II). The rest of the field consists of Augusta State, Campbell, Davidson, Eastern Michigan, Francis Marion, Marquette, Nebraska, Old Dominion, UNC-Greensboro, Virginia Commonwealth, and Xavier.
Play will begin with a practice round on Sunday, April 13. Competition will begin with 36-holes of medal play on Monday, April 14, with a shotgun start commencing at 9:00am. The Classic's final 18-holes will be played on Tuesday, April 15, beginning at 8:30am. Parking and admission are free of charge to the public.
This year's sponsors include Bank of America, The Palisades Country Club, Harris Teeter, Coca-Cola Botting Co. Consolidated, Bowne of Charlotte, CorderPhillips, Hood Hargett, Keith Corporation, R.T. Dooley, Smith Turf & Irrigation, Visit Charlotte, BB & T, Bojangles, Callaway Golf, Lance, and Sabona.
This is the 2nd year that The Palisades Country Club has hosted the tournament, the 11th year of the tournament and the 10th year the Charlotte Sports Commission has handled the operation of the event. |
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Events 2008
CHARLOTTE REGION TO HOST NCAA D-II GOLF SUPER REGIONAL
The Point Lake and Golf Club, Mooresville, will be the host of the 2008 NCAA D-II Golf Super Regional on May 4-7. College golfers from the NCAA D-II Atlantic and Southeast Regions will converge on the area to compete for the title and berths to the D-II National Tournament in Houston, Texas. Tee times will begin each morning at 8:00am and admission is free to the public. Belmont Abbey is the Host for the tournament, and the Charlotte Sports Commission is serving as the Tournament Manager for the event.
River Roar 2008
Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual River Roar Corporate Raft Race. This year's event is on Friday, June 6th beginning at noon. Six person teams will be led
through the course culminating in a timed run down the Competition Channel. Awards will be given to the top finishers and we will also have food and beverage specials available so round up your team and plan to make a day of it. Reserve your rafts today! Contact Chris Clouden at 704-688-8531 or
cclouden@charlottesports.org.
THE BASS FEDERATION NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP and THE WAL-MART FLW TOUR/NATIONAL GUARD OPEN
Hulk Hogan to make appearance at the Outdoor Show on Saturday and Sunday
The Charlotte Region is again proving to be one of the most popular professional bass fishing venues as they host two lucrative and high-profile bass tournaments: The Bass Federation (TBF) National Championship and the Wal-Mart FLW Tour/National Guard Open.
Lake Wylie will host the TBF National Championship, presented by the National Guard, for the second consecutive year on April 24-27. Pro anglers representing six TBF divisions nationwide will compete for a share of the $234,000 in cash and merchandise, including a $100,000 "Living the Dream" prize package and berths into two of the sport's coveted events: the $1 million BFL All-American presented by Chevy and the $2 million Forest L. Wood Cup presented by Castrol. Anglers will launch from Copperhead Island at 7:00am each day and weigh in at the Charlotte Convention Center beginning at 3:00pm daily.
The Wal-Mart FLW Tour/National Guard open returns to Lake Norman on April 24-28, when pro and amateur anglers will compete for total prize money of $1.5 million. The winning pro will receive a check for $150,000, plus be eligible for a Ranger bonus of an additional $50k! The anglers will launch from Blythe Landing each day at 7:00am. Weigh-in for Days 1 and 2 will be held at 3:00pm at Blythe Landing. (Fans can park for free at Kenton Place and ride a shuttle to the launch.) Weigh-ins for Days 3 and 4 will be held at 4:00pm (immediately after the TBF Weigh-ins) at the Charlotte Convention Center.
In conjunction with the two tournaments, FLW Outdoors will host their Outdoor Sports Show and Family Fun Zone at the Charlotte Convention Center. Former pro wrestler and TV star Hulk Hogan is scheduled to appear on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free and doors open at noon on Thursday and Friday, and at 10:00am on Saturday and Sunday. The Sports Commission, Visit Charlotte, Visit Lake Norman and the Mecklenburg Country Park & Rec have teamed together to bring these events to the region.
Wachovia Championship
This year's championship is scheduled for April 28th - May 4th. All ground tickets are sold out, but some Ultimate Access Premium Packages are still available. To date, over $7.5 million has been donated to Teach for America and other charities. For more information, please visit www.wachoviachampionship.com
US Olympic Team Trials
Come out and watch Whitewater Olympic hopefuls compete for a spot to the Beijing Games. From April 25 -27, the US National Whitewater Center will be overflowing with Olympic spirit and country pride as US athletes compete in the Olympic Team Trials. In addition, athletes from Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ireland, France, Australia and the Czech Republic will compete in the Pan American Slalom Championship & Olympic Qualifier. Tickets are $10 each day or $15 for a 3 day pass sold in advance at Ticketmaster. Tickets at the event will be $15 per day or $20 for 3 day pass. For questions about tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.usack.org.
Jr. Olympic Skills Competition
On Saturday, May 10th, boys and girls between the ages of 8 - 13 are invited to participate in the 2008 Jr. Olympic Skills Competition. The event is scheduled for Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School (500 Bilmark Avenue) from 10:30am - 12:30pm. Children will compete individually in basketball, soccer, tennis and track & field. Individuals with the best scores in each of those areas will advance to the Regional Final on Saturday, May 17 in Salisbury. Regional winners will then have the opportunity to compete in the National Finals at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Our partners at Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation and UNC Charlotte's Sport Marketing and Management Program are assisting with the event.
Horsin' Around
The Charlotte Bobcats Arena will be hosting the 5th Annual Charlotte Jumper Classic April 11-13th. This world class event is affordable to watch and includes seminars to learn more about the equestrian sport. Proceeds benefit the Bobcats Youth Foundation.
Also coming to Charlotte, the Queen's Cup Steeplechase. Experience the "Thrill of the Chase" this year on April 26th as proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation. |
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Sports Calendar
April
5: Carolina's All-Star Classic presented by Lowe's Home Improvement
11-13: Charlotte Jumper Classic
13-15: The Palisades Collegiate Golf Classic
23-26: The Bass Federation National Championship, Lake Wylie
24-27: FLW Wal-Mart National Guard Open, Lake Norman
25-27: Olympic Team Trials for USA Canoe/Kayak Whitewater Slalom
26: Queens Cup Steeplechase
28-30: Wachovia Championship
May
1-4: Wachovia Championship
4-7: NCAA D-II Men's Golf Super Regional Tournament
7: Mile High Affair
15: NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge
17: NASCAR Sprint All Star Race
25: Coca Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway
June
6: 3rd Annual River Roar
24-27: USA Outdoor Track & Field Youth Championships
August
TBD: Carolina Panthers Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon
Presbyterian Hospital Criterium
September
8-14: Greater Hickory Classic Golf Tournament at Rock Barn
October
TBD: 10th Annual CRSC Hight School Leadership Summit
TBD: CRSC Golf Tournament
Click here for a PDF Calendar of Events! |
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YSPN Update
The Young Sports Professionals Network will soon have more information about upcoming events. If interested in joining the mailing list, please contact Caroline Smith at csmith@charlottesports.org or call 704.688.8520
Click the pic for more info! |
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A recap...
Night with the Knights The Charlotte Knights were proud to host the first Annual "Night with the Knights" fundraising event in the Charlotte Convention Center on February 12th. The event included a reception, silent auction, dinner, the honoring of a local sports figure, and a keynote address by former MLB player Ozzie Smith. All proceeds benefitted the United Way.
Carolinas All-Star Classic
The 11th Annual Carolinas All-Star Classic, presented by Lowe's Home Improvement, was held at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena on Saturday, April 5th, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. The game showcased the talents of high school seniors representing thirty-seven schools from both North and South Carolina. Four All-Star Teams played in this doubleheader event, and each team was comprised of ten players from each state. The N.C. Boys' All-Star Team faced the S.C. Boy's All-Star Team, and the N.C. Girls' Team faced the S.C. Girls' Team. It was the best high school talent from the Carolinas in Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
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Please click the following links to see a listing of our Members:
Thank you for your continued support of the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission! If interested in joining, please contact me directly at (704)688-8536.
Sincerely,
Jeff Beaver
Executive Director |
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