A True Sports City
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At the Top of the List
Charlotte, North Carolina, a city rich in history, arts and culture is now also
the top destination for sports event visitors. There is no doubt why.
Charlotte's recreational scene is booming and full of activity. Perhaps, it is the
city's beautiful year-round weather or its fantastic facilities, or maybe it is
the plethora of professional and amateur sports. Whatever it is that draws
sports visitors to this popular destination, one thing is for sure - there will
never be a shortage of athletic events.
Charlotte is home to several exciting professional sports teams including the
Carolina Panthers, which the NFL added to the roster only ten years ago.
Playing in the Bank of America Stadium, a multi-million dollar facility, the
team is full of talent and drive. It is not hard to keep the house packed.
Lowe's Motor Speedway is the largest and one of the busiest sports facilities
in the Southeast, hosting three NASCAR Winston Cup events every year.
With the sport's growing popularity, there is no lack of draw.
This year is huge for basketball fans nationwide with the WNBA Charlotte
Sting and the new NBA expansion team, the Charlotte Bobcats. The
excitement of these two new teams is sure to keep the new multi-million
dollar arena full.
The Minor league baseball team as well as the affiliate hockey team is wildly
popular and successful. Relatively new to the playing field is professional
soccer and arena football. There is no shortage of hard-hitting action.
On a more civilized level, Charlotte hosts the PGA's Wachovia Championship
and is home to two of Golf Digest's top courses. Golf fans flock from both
near and far to catch the likes of top golf pros.
Not only are professional teams enjoying success, amateur sports are
growing tremendously. A couple of amateur tournaments call Charlotte
home, including the National Softball Association's Girls' Fastpitch World
Series and the BASS Masters Classic fishing tournament.
A multi-channel whitewater park will be completed in 2005 drawing amateur
and Olympic quality athletes. This facility will be one of the country's four
official U.S. Olympic training centers. In addition, Charlotte hosts a yearly
marathon and three large triathlons drawing close to 2,000 athletes
(www.charlottechamber.com).
There is never a dull moment in Charlotte. The quality of the sporting events
is what keeps them coming. However, the network of fans and amateur
ability is what makes the Queen City the top destination for sports event
visitors.
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