111-698: Opera Carolina is a professional opera company in Charlotte, North Carolina . Founded in 1948 by the Charlotte Music Club as the Charlotte Opera Association , the company was renamed Opera Carolina after its 1986 merger with North Carolina Opera which combined the main stage, educational, and touring operations of the two companies. Its past leadership has included Artistic Directors Richard Marshall and Charles Rosekrans, and General Director James Wright. From 2000 to 2023, Opera Carolina has been under
222-466: A 120–105 victory over the Washington Bullets . However, the team went cold, losing their next eleven games. The Hornets, who hosted the 1991 NBA All-Star Game , finished with a 26–56 record. Despite the team's seven-game improvement over the previous season, Gene Littles was fired at the end of the season and replaced by general manager Allan Bristow . With the first pick in the 1991 NBA draft ,
333-531: A 2002 expansion team. In August 2023, Jordan sold his majority stake in the Hornets to a group of investors led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall . He retained a minority share in the ownership of the team. In 1985, the NBA was planning to expand by three teams by the 1988–89 season, later modified to include a total of four expansion teams. George Shinn , an entrepreneur from Kannapolis , wanted to bring an NBA team to
444-550: A 32–50 record. The team struggled amid rumors of players clashing with the coach. After a year, during which he struggled with personnel decisions, Sam Vincent was fired in April 2008. On April 29, 2008, the Bobcats reached an agreement to hire Basketball Hall of Famer Larry Brown as the third head coach in franchise history. In the 2008 NBA draft , the Bobcats selected D. J. Augustin from Texas ninth overall. On December 10, 2008,
555-586: A competitive lineup on the court right away. The team also had three draft picks at the 1988 NBA draft . The Hornets' first NBA game took place on November 4, 1988, at the Charlotte Coliseum , losing 133–93 to the Cleveland Cavaliers . Four days later, the team notched its first-ever victory over the Los Angeles Clippers , 117–105. On December 23, 1988, the Hornets beat Michael Jordan and
666-470: A competitive team as soon as possible. Former college coach and veteran NBA assistant Dick Harter was hired as the team's first head coach. In 1988, the Hornets and the Miami Heat were part of the 1988 NBA Expansion Draft . Unlike many expansion franchises that invest in the future with a team composed entirely of young players, Charlotte stocked its inaugural roster with several veterans in hopes of putting
777-480: A formidable national bank that through aggressive acquisitions eventually merged with BankAmerica to become Bank of America . First Union , later Wachovia in 2001, experienced similar growth before it was acquired by San Francisco –based Wells Fargo in 2008. Measured by control of assets, Charlotte became the second largest banking headquarters in the United States after New York City . On September 22, 1989,
888-399: A little over a month into the season, the Bobcats obtained Boris Diaw and Raja Bell in a trade with Phoenix. The trade turned out to be successful as the team came close to reaching the franchise's first playoff berth, but finished four games out of eighth place with a record of 35–47. Following the season, majority owner Bob Johnson announced he was putting the team up for sale. During
999-529: A major impact on the area, as they often pull tree limbs down onto power lines and make driving hazardous. Snow has been recorded a small number of times in April, most recently on April 2, 2019. As of 2020 , the Charlotte metropolitan area as a whole is noted for having one of the worst weather radar gaps among any major U.S. East Coast city , with little to no coverage in a roughly quadrilateral area spanning Concord , Salisbury and much of Statesville . As
1110-514: A majority share of the franchise. In 2013, the Bobcats announced they would begin playing under the Charlotte Hornets name in the 2014–15 season . On the day the name change became official, the franchise reclaimed the history and records of the original Hornets. The Hornets are now retroactively considered as having suspended operations from 2002 to 2004, while the Pelicans are now considered
1221-474: A modified version of the original Hornets' teal-purple-white color palette, with black, gray and Carolina blue as accents. The team officially unveiled its future logo and identity scheme during halftime of their December 21 game against the Jazz. The team also started the "Buzz City" campaign to hype up the Hornets return. On January 16, 2014, the Bobcats revealed new Hornets shirts, hats and gear. On May 20, 2014,
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#17328952999971332-531: A normal July daily mean temperature of 80.1 °F (26.7 °C). Hot and humid days can arrive as early as May and last to the end of September. There is an average of 44 days per year with highs at or above 90 °F (32 °C). Official record temperatures range from 104 °F (40 °C) recorded six times on 6 September 1954, 9-10 August 2007 and June 29 to July 1, 2012 , down to −5 °F (−21 °C) recorded on December 30, 1880 , February 14 1899 and January 21, 1985 . The record cold daily maximum
1443-449: A season with 73). Overall, the team's record was 7–59. On April 30, 2012, the Bobcats announced that Silas would not return as head coach. St. John's assistant Mike Dunlap was named as his successor. Despite finishing the season with the worst record in NBA history, the Bobcats received the second overall pick. With the second pick in the 2012 NBA draft , the Bobcats selected Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and selected Jeffery Taylor with
1554-422: A sports fashion craze in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The team's uniforms, designed by international designer and North Carolina native Alexander Julian , featured a first for NBA uniforms— pin stripes . Similar designs by other teams followed, as they became a hit. Shinn hired Carl Scheer as the team's first President and General Manager. Scheer preferred a roster of veteran players, hoping to put together
1665-485: A trade on draft day 1996 , acquiring center Vlade Divac from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for the rights to rookie and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant , whom the Hornets picked 13th overall. The new-look Hornets were successful, with Divac and Geiger providing the center combination, Mason averaging a double-double, Bogues back at the point, and Rice having the finest season of his career. The team achieved
1776-549: A trade with the Thunder. Going down the stretch, injuries to both Stephen Jackson and Tyrus Thomas derailed any chances of Charlotte trying to catch the Indiana Pacers for the eighth spot in the east. In the end, the Bobcats finished the season with a 34–48 record overall, finishing 25–29 under Silas. On June 13, 2011, the Bobcats made some changes to their front office by hiring former Trail Blazers general manager Rich Cho to
1887-472: Is 14 °F (−10 °C) on February 12 and 13, 1899 . The record warm daily minimum is 82 °F (28 °C) on August 13, 1881. The average window for freezing temperatures is November 5 to March 30, allowing a growing season of 220 days. Charlotte is directly in the path of subtropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico as it heads up the eastern seaboard, thus the city receives ample precipitation throughout
1998-414: Is 200 miles (320 km) inland, and residents from coastal areas in both Carolinas often wait out hurricanes in Charlotte. In December 2002, Charlotte and much of central North Carolina were hit by an ice storm that resulted in more than 1.3 million people losing power. During an abnormally cold December, many were without power for weeks. Many of the city's Bradford pear trees split apart under
2109-452: Is an emerging center for arts and entertainment. Myers Park , Dilworth , and Eastover are home to some of Charlotte's most affluent, oldest and largest houses, on tree-lined boulevards, with Freedom Park nearby. The SouthPark area offers shopping, dining, and multifamily housing. Far South Boulevard is home to a large Hispanic community. Many students, researchers, and affiliated professionals live near UNC Charlotte in
2220-507: Is now Charlotte was first settled by European colonists around 1755 when Thomas Spratt and his family settled near what is now the Elizabeth neighborhood. Thomas Polk (great-uncle of President James K. Polk ), who later married Thomas Spratt's daughter, built his house by the intersection of two Native American trading paths between the Yadkin and Catawba rivers. One path ran north–south and
2331-530: Is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the county seat of Mecklenburg County . The population was 874,579 at the 2020 census , making Charlotte the 15th-most populous city in the United States, the seventh-most populous city in the South , and the second-most populous city in the Southeast behind Jacksonville, Florida . Charlotte is the cultural, economic, and transportation center of
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#17328952999972442-797: Is the twenty-sixth-most expansive city in the United States and lies at an elevation of 751 feet (229 m). Charlotte constitutes most of Mecklenburg County in the Carolina Piedmont . Uptown Charlotte sits atop a long rise between two creeks, Sugar Creek and Irwin Creek, and was built on the gunnies of the St. Catherine's and Rudisill gold mines . Charlotte is 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Concord ; 26 miles (42 km) northeast of Rock Hill, South Carolina ; 83 miles (134 km) southwest of Greensboro ; 135 miles (217 km) west of Fayetteville ; and 165 miles (266 km) southwest of Raleigh ,
2553-496: The 1930 census , and has remained North Carolina's largest city since. Until 1958, the Seaboard Air Line Railroad operated a daily passenger train from its own station (which had opened in 1896) to Wilmington . The city's modern-day banking industry achieved prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, largely under the leadership of financier Hugh McColl . McColl transformed North Carolina National Bank (NCNB) into
2664-557: The 2006–07 season , posting a playoff-hopeful record of 22–33 late in February 2007. However, the team went through an eight-game losing streak and dropped their record to 22–41 by early March 2007. Following the slump, Jordan announced that Bickerstaff would not return to coach the following season, but would finish coaching the remainder of the 2006–07 season. The Bobcats won 11 of their last 19 games of Bickerstaff's tenure to finish their third season 33–49. On June 3, 2007, Charlotte Coliseum
2775-654: The American Revolution . May 20, the traditional date of the signing of the declaration, is celebrated annually in Charlotte as "MecDec", with musket and cannon fire by reenactors in Independence Square. North Carolina's state flag and state seal also bear the date. Charlotte is traditionally considered the home of Southern Presbyterianism , but in the 19th century, numerous churches, including Presbyterian, Baptist , Methodist , Episcopal , Lutheran , and Roman Catholic formed, eventually giving Charlotte
2886-715: The Billy Graham Library , Levine Museum of the New South , Charlotte Museum of History , Carowinds amusement park, and U.S. National Whitewater Center . Charlotte has a humid subtropical climate . It is located several miles east of the Catawba River and southeast of Lake Norman , the largest human-made lake in North Carolina. Lake Wylie and Mountain Island Lake are two smaller human-made lakes located near
2997-770: The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra , in the Belk Theater in the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center . Opera Carolina also presented an annual concert, Art • Poetry • Music, at the Knight Theater. Opera Carolina's season begins in October and runs until mid April. Opera Carolina has remained solvent during the recession, which began in 2008, while other opera companies of similar size have closed their doors. The company has achieved this through discontinuing
3108-464: The Charlotte metropolitan area , whose estimated 2023 population of 2,805,115 ranked 22nd in the United States . The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of an 18-county market region and combined statistical area with an estimated population of 3,387,115 as of 2023. Between 2004 and 2014, Charlotte was among the country's fastest-growing metropolitan areas, with 888,000 new residents. Based on U.S. census data from 2005 to 2015, Charlotte tops
3219-628: The Chicago Bulls 103–101 in Jordan's first return to North Carolina as a professional. The Hornets finished their inaugural season with a record of 20–62. Scheer left prior to the 1989–90 season. Despite initial concerns that the Coliseum was too big, the Hornets were a runaway hit, leading the NBA in attendance, a feat they would achieve seven more times in Charlotte. Eventually, the Hornets would sell out 364 consecutive games. The Hornets' second season
3330-666: The Detroit Pistons , which they used to select Noah Vonleh from Indiana . In the same draft they acquired UConn Husky Shabazz Napier , Dwight Powell from Stanford , and Semaj Christon from Xavier in the second round. They later traded Napier to the Heat for P. J. Hairston (formerly from UNC ), the rights to the 55th pick, Miami's 2019 second-round pick and cash considerations. The team also picked up Scotty Hopson (whom they would trade to New Orleans) and cash considerations in free agency. During their first year of free agency as
3441-553: The Los Angeles Clippers to acquire the second pick in the 2004 NBA draft , which they used to select center Emeka Okafor from Connecticut . The Bobcats' inaugural game, and the first of their 2004–05 season took place on November 4 at the Charlotte Coliseum , and was a 103–96 loss to the Washington Wizards . Two days later, they won their first game in franchise history over the Orlando Magic , 111–100. On December 14,
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3552-565: The Milwaukee Bucks with Spencer Hawes for center Miles Plumlee . Kemba Walker was named an Eastern Conference All-star as a reserve, the first all-star game of his career. The Hornets would finish the season with a 36–46 record, missing out on the playoffs. The Hornets had a successful 2017 off-season. They shipped Plumlee and Belinelli and the 41st pick in the 2017 NBA draft to the Atlanta Hawks for former All-star Dwight Howard and
3663-660: The National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference . The team plays its home games at the Spectrum Center . The original Charlotte Hornets franchise was established in 1988 as an expansion team owned by George Shinn . In 2002 , Shinn moved the franchise to New Orleans . The team continued to play as the Hornets until 2013, when its name
3774-570: The Negro leagues . The franchise with Johnson as its owner was approved by the NBA Board of Governors on January 10, 2003. Hip-hop artist Nelly became a notable co-owner. The owners paid a $ 300 million expansion fee to enter the league. In June 2003, the team name was officially announced as the Bobcats. The Charlotte Regional Sports Commission aided the naming process with a "Help Name The Team" effort that drew over 1,250 suggestions, with 'Flight' being
3885-508: The New York Knicks , and, to replace the backup guard, they brought in former rookie of the year Michael Carter-Williams from the Chicago Bulls . In the 2017–18 season Kemba Walker was selected for his second NBA All-Star appearance and passed Dell Curry for most three-pointers and the all-time leading scorer. At the end of the 2017–18 season, the Hornets did not renew the contract of general manager Rich Cho. In April 2018, Mitch Kupchak
3996-589: The state capital . Though the Catawba River and its lakes lie several miles west, there are no significant bodies of water or other geological features near the city center. Consequently, development has neither been constrained nor helped by waterways or ports that have contributed to many cities of similar size. The lack of these obstructions has contributed to Charlotte's growth as a highway, rail, and air transportation hub. Charlotte has 199 neighborhoods radiating in all directions from Uptown . Biddleville ,
4107-501: The 12 lighted tennis courts at the park. In September 2013, the 5.4-acre (2.2 ha) Romare Bearden Park opened to the public. The urban section of Little Sugar Creek Greenway was completed in 2012. Inspired in part by the San Antonio River Walk , and integral to Charlotte's extensive urban park system, it is "a huge milestone" according to Gwen Cook, greenway planner for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. However,
4218-452: The 1990s. Voluntary buyouts of 700 households have created around 200 acres (81 ha)s of open land that can flood safely, thereby saving an estimated $ 28 million in flood damage and emergency rescues. McAlpine Creek Park and integrated McAlpine Creek Greenway constructed in 1978 was the first greenway built in the western piedmont of North Carolina. Like much of the Piedmont region of
4329-484: The 31st pick in the 2017 draft. The trade reunited Howard with head coach Steve Clifford, both of whom worked together during Howard's time in Orlando and Los Angeles. In the draft, Charlotte selected Malik Monk with the 11th overall pick, as well as Frank Jackson with the 31st pick. They then sent Jackson to New Orleans for cash considerations and swing-man Dwayne Bacon who was drafted 40th overall. Sessions signed with
4440-457: The 31st pick. They also added Ben Gordon , Ramon Sessions and Brendan Haywood in free agency. The Bobcats won their first game against the Pacers, snapping their 23-game losing streak. The team seemed to rebound with a 7–5 start to the season. However, they promptly went on an 18-game losing streak from which they never recovered, snapping the streak with a win at Chicago. Charlotte finished 21–61,
4551-553: The Bobcats beat the New Orleans Hornets in overtime in the team's first trip to Charlotte since relocating. The Bobcats finished their inaugural season 18–64. Emeka Okafor, however, won the 2004–05 NBA Rookie of the Year Award . In the 2005 NBA draft , the Bobcats drafted Raymond Felton and Sean May from North Carolina . In their second season , the Bobcats opened Charlotte Bobcats Arena with an overtime victory over
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4662-416: The Bobcats during the 2007 off-season. Rod Higgins was hired as general manager , and Sam Vincent was hired as the second head coach in franchise history. In the 2007 NBA draft , Brandan Wright was selected by the Bobcats with the eighth pick; he was subsequently traded to Golden State for Jason Richardson . The Bobcats were unable to capitalize on off-season moves, finishing the 2007–08 season with
4773-490: The Bobcats officially became the second incarnation of the Charlotte Hornets. At a press conference regarding the change, team officials also announced that as part of a deal with the NBA and the renamed New Orleans Pelicans , Charlotte acquired the history and records of the 1988–2002 Hornets (in a move similar to that of the National Football League 's Cleveland Browns return to the league in 1999 ), while all of
4884-634: The Bobcats were swept by the Orlando Magic in four games. Despite the departures of Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler , the Bobcats hoped to make the playoffs for a second straight season . Following a dismal 9–19 start, Jordan announced that Larry Brown had stepped down as head coach. Paul Silas was hired as their new head coach the same day. The Bobcats sent Wallace to the Portland Trail Blazers and received two first-round draft picks, Joel Przybilla , Sean Marks , and Dante Cunningham , also acquiring D. J. White and Morris Peterson in
4995-541: The Catawba had no natural immunity against. At the time of their largest population, the Catawba population was 10,000. But by 1826, the Catawba population dropped to 110. The city of Charlotte was developed first by a wave of migration of Scots-Irish Presbyterians , or Ulster-Scot settlers from Ulster , who dominated the culture of the Southern Piedmont Region and made up the principal founding population in
5106-543: The Celtics. Despite struggling for most of the year, they managed to close out the season with four straight wins to finish with a record of 26–56, an eight-game improvement from the previous season. After the season, the Bobcats announced that NBA legend and North Carolina native Michael Jordan had bought a minority stake in the team. As part of the deal, he became head of basketball operations, though Bickerstaff remained general manager. The Bobcats showed some improvement during
5217-522: The Charlotte area, and he assembled a group of prominent local businessmen to head the prospective franchise. The Charlotte area had long been a hotbed for college basketball . Charlotte was also one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, and was previously one of the three in-state regional homes to the American Basketball Association 's (ABA) Carolina Cougars from 1969 to 1974. Despite doubt from critics, Shinn's ace in
5328-784: The Charlotte general area. In 2018, Charlotte proper had over 700 places of worship. The Presbyterian Church (USA) is now the fourth largest denomination in Charlotte, with 68,000 members and 206 congregations. The second largest Presbyterian denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America has 43 churches and 12,000 members, followed by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church with 63 churches and 9,500 members. Charlotte Hornets The Charlotte Hornets are an American professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina . The Hornets compete in
5439-461: The Hornets drafted power forward Larry Johnson from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas . Johnson had an impact season, finishing among the league leaders in points and rebounds, and winning the 1992 NBA Rookie of the Year Award . Additionally, Guard Kendall Gill led the club in scoring, averaging over 20 points per game. The team stayed in contention for a playoff spot until March, but finished
5550-457: The Hornets romped through the regular season, finishing with a 51–31 record. The Hornets made it to back-to-back playoffs for the first time in franchise history, advancing to the second round, only to be stopped by the Bulls. The 1998–99 season was shortened. The season did not start until February, as the lockout shortened the regular season to only 50 games. Additionally, Glen Rice was traded to
5661-433: The Hornets were eliminated from the 2002 playoffs, the NBA approved a deal for the team to move to New Orleans following the 2002–03 season. The move came mainly because attendance tailed off dramatically, reportedly due to Shinn's declining popularity in the city. Shortly after the relocation of the team to New Orleans, as part of the deal with the city of Charlotte, as well as to avoid a Cleveland Browns–like lawsuit ,
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#17328952999975772-493: The Hornets' records during their time in New Orleans from 2002 to 2013 remained with the Pelicans. The Hornets are now retconned as having suspended operations from 2002 to 2004, while the Pelicans are considered a 2002 expansion team. Charlotte had already been using past footage of the original Hornets as part of the "Buzz City" campaign. In the 2014 NBA draft , the Hornets had the 9th overall pick from an earlier trade with
5883-568: The Hornets, the team signed former Pacers shooting guard Lance Stephenson . The Hornets also signed former Jazz and Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams to a two-year deal. A mostly difficult year led to a 33–49 record overall and a 4th-place finish in the division. Stephenson was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for Spencer Hawes and Matt Barnes who was later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for Courtney Lee . The following year ,
5994-561: The I‑485 perimeter, has experienced rapid growth over the past ten years. The Steele Creek neighborhood which is primarily in Mecklenburg county is located within minutes near Uptown Charlotte. Since the 1980s in particular, Uptown Charlotte has undergone massive construction of buildings, housing Bank of America , Wells Fargo , Hearst Corporation , and Duke Energy , several hotels, and multiple condominium developments. Latta Park
6105-487: The Lakers for Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell , and Dave Cowens resigned midway through the season. He was replaced by former Celtics teammate Paul Silas , who became the team's fifth head coach. The team finished with a 26–24 record, but failed to qualify for the playoffs. The next three seasons ( 1999–2000 , 2000–01 and 2001–02 ) saw the Hornets in the playoffs each year, reaching the conference semifinals twice. Before
6216-565: The Little Sugar Creek Greenway bears no relation to the San Antonio River Walk. The Little Sugar Creek Greenway is prone to flooding during thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain. Creation of Little Sugar Creek Greenway cost $ 43 million and was controversial because it required the forced acquisition of several established local businesses. The city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County began purchasing flood-prone homes in
6327-575: The Love Notes concert, reducing the season to three main productions, reduction in staff, and increased frugality in production costs. Also, Opera Carolina enjoys sustained corporate and private charitable support. Opera Carolina was among the earliest performing arts companies to give live on-stage performances after closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte ( / ˈ ʃ ɑːr l ə t / SHAR -lət )
6438-483: The NBA opened itself to the possibility of adding a replacement team in Charlotte for the 2004–05 season , provided that an arena deal could be reached. Several ownership groups, including one led by former Boston Celtics star Larry Bird , made bids for the franchise. On December 18, 2002, a group led by BET founder Robert L. Johnson was awarded the franchise, allowing him to become the first African American majority owner in U.S. major professional sports since
6549-541: The U.S. government established Camp Greene , north of present-day Wilkinson Boulevard. The camp supported 40,000 soldiers, with many troops and suppliers staying after the war, launching urbanization that eventually overtook older cities along the Piedmont Crescent . In the 1920 census , Charlotte fell to being the state's second largest city, Winston-Salem with 48,395 people, had two thousand more people than Charlotte. Charlotte would pass Winston-Salem in population by
6660-498: The U.S. in millennial population growth. Throughout the 2020s, it has remained one of the fastest-growing major cities in the United States. Residents of Charlotte are referred to as " Charlotteans ". Charlotte is home to the corporate headquarters of Bank of America , Honeywell , Truist Financial , and the East Coast headquarters of Wells Fargo , which, when combined with other Charlotte-based financial institutions, makes
6771-550: The area throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to the 1837 founding of the Charlotte Mint . North Carolina was the chief producer of gold in the United States, until the Sierra Nevada found in 1848, although the volume mined in the Charlotte area was dwarfed by subsequent rushes. Some groups still pan for gold occasionally in local streams and creeks. The Reed Gold Mine operated until 1912. The Charlotte Mint
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#17328952999976882-621: The backcountry. German immigrants also settled in the area before the American Revolutionary War , but in smaller numbers. They still contributed greatly to the early foundations of the region. Mecklenburg County was initially part of Bath County (1696 to 1729) of the New Hanover Precinct, which became New Hanover County in 1729. The western portion of New Hanover split into Bladen County in 1734, and its western portion split into Anson County in 1750. Mecklenburg County
6993-490: The best season in its history at the time, finishing 54–28, and making it back to the playoffs . Despite the success during the regular season, the Hornets went down rather meekly to the Knicks in three games. The 1997–98 season was also successful. Muggsy Bogues was traded two games into the season, and the team picked up point guard David Wesley and shooting guard Bobby Phills . With Wesley, Phills, Rice, Mason, and Divac,
7104-602: The boundary between the Carolinas in 1772, William Moultrie stopped in Charlotte, whose five or six houses were "very ordinary built of logs". Local leaders came together in 1775 and signed the Mecklenburg Resolves , more popularly known as the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence . While not a true declaration of independence from British rule, it is among the first such declarations that eventually led to
7215-574: The city but was driven out by hostile residents. He wrote that Charlotte was "a hornet 's nest of rebellion", leading to the nickname "The Hornet's Nest". Within decades of Polk's settling, the area grew to become the Town of Charlotte, incorporated in 1768. Though chartered as Charlotte, the name appears as a form of "Charlottesburgh" on many maps until around 1800. A form of "Charlottetown" also appears on maps of British origin depicting General Cornwallis' route of invasion. The crossroads in Piedmont became
7326-721: The city the second-largest banking center in the nation. Charlotte's notable attractions include three professional sports teams, the Carolina Panthers of the NFL , the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA , and Charlotte FC of MLS . The city is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame , Opera Carolina , Charlotte Symphony , Charlotte Ballet , Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Mint Museum , Harvey B. Gantt Center , Bechtler Museum of Modern Art ,
7437-404: The city was hit by Hurricane Hugo . With sustained winds of 69 mph (111 km/h) and gusts of 87 mph (140 km/h), Hugo caused massive property damage, destroyed 80,000 trees, and knocked out electrical power to most of the population. Residents were without power for weeks, schools were closed for a week or more, and the cleanup took months. The city was caught unprepared; Charlotte
7548-482: The city. As of 2024, 66% of the city's area is occupied by green spaces. The city ranks 1st in the United States and 29th in the world in the ranking of the greenest cities on the planet. The Catawba Indians were the first known historic tribe to settle Mecklenburg County in the Charlotte area and were first recorded around 1567, according to Spanish records. By 1759, half the Catawba tribe had died from smallpox , an endemic disease among European colonists, which
7659-411: The direction of General Director and Principal Conductor James Meena . July 1, 2024 Dr. Shantè Williams is appointed new General Director. Opera Carolina is a member of Opera America and is supported by the Arts & Science Council, the National Endowment for the Arts , and the North Carolina Arts Council. Opera Carolina presents three main stage productions, featuring the Opera Carolina Chorus and
7770-428: The first playoff berth in franchise history. Finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference , the Hornets upset the Boston Celtics in the first round, with Mourning winning the series with a 20-footer in game four. However, the Hornets lacked the experience and depth to defeat the New York Knicks , falling in five games in the second round. The Hornets finished the 1993–94 season with a 41–41 record, narrowly missing
7881-419: The first former NBA player to become majority owner of a franchise. On April 9, 2010, the Bobcats clinched their first playoff berth since 2002 with a 104–103 road win over the New Orleans Hornets, finishing the 2009–10 season with an overall record of 44–38, their first-ever winning season. Gerald Wallace was a huge factor in the playoff run as he became the Bobcats' first and only NBA All-Star . However,
7992-517: The ground (below 5,000 ft (1,500 m)). In the 2020 census , there were 874,579 people, 342,448 households, and 195,614 families living in the city. In 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates showed 885,708 residents living within Charlotte's city limits and 1,093,901 in Mecklenburg County. The combined statistical area , or trade area, of Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia, NC–SC had an estimated population of 3,387,115 in 2023. Figures from
8103-509: The heart of Uptown Charlotte . In 1770, surveyors marked the streets in a grid pattern for future development. The east–west trading path became Trade Street, and the Great Wagon Road became Tryon Street, in honor of William Tryon , a royal governor of colonial North Carolina. The intersection of Trade and Tryon is commonly known today as "Trade and Tryon", or simply "The Square", and formally as "Independence Square". While surveying
8214-448: The hole was the Charlotte Coliseum , a state-of-the-art arena that would seat almost 24,000 spectators, the largest basketball-specific arena ever to serve as a full-time home for an NBA team. On April 5, 1987, then- NBA Commissioner David Stern called Shinn to tell him his group had been awarded the 24th NBA franchise, to begin play in 1988 . Franchises were also granted to Miami , Minneapolis–Saint Paul , and Orlando . Originally,
8325-409: The lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, Charlotte lost often, including their last 23 games. During their season finale against the New York Knicks , the Bobcats recorded yet another loss as their win percentage dropped to .106, setting a new record for the worst season ever by an NBA team (as this season was shortened by the lockout, the 1972–73 Philadelphia 76ers still hold the record for most losses in
8436-594: The more comprehensive 2010 census show Charlotte's population density was 2,457 per square mile (949/km ). There were 319,918 housing units at an average density of 1,074.6 per square mile (414.9/km ). In 1970, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Charlotte's population as 30.2% Black and 68.9% White. In 2020, 39.72% of the population was non-Hispanic white, 32.5% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 7.02% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 4.15% other or mixed, and 16.32% Hispanic or Latin American of any race. This reflected
8547-559: The name "Bobcats" in reference to his own name. The Bobcats hired Bernie Bickerstaff as the first head coach and general manager in franchise history. A new arena to host the Bobcats in uptown Charlotte began construction in July 2003. The team would play its home games at the Coliseum until the new building was ready. The Bobcats held their expansion draft on June 22, 2004, picking up youngsters such as Gerald Wallace , Primož Brezec , and Jason Kapono . Shortly after, they traded with
8658-447: The national demographic shift as Hispanic or Latinos and Asians increased in population. In 2020, the median income for a household in Charlotte was $ 48,670. The median income for a family was $ 59,452. Males had a median income of $ 38,767 versus $ 29,218 for females. The per capita income for Charlotte was $ 29,825. The percentage of the population living at or below the poverty line was 10.6%, with 7.8% of families living at or below
8769-618: The nearest NWS -owned NEXRAD is located in Greer, South Carolina , more than 80 mi (130 km) to the west-southwest of Charlotte, this deficit is particularly problematic during severe thunderstorm or tornado episodes. The current lowest angle of the radar, based in Greer, is quite far above the surface over Charlotte, so the velocities measurement for detecting rotations cannot be below mid-level in potential tornado-forming storms and thus cannot indicate whether said rotation extends closer to
8880-532: The new team was going to be called the Charlotte Spirit , but a name-the-team contest yielded "Hornets" as the winning choice. The name originates from British General Cornwallis , who allegedly described the city as "a hornet's nest of rebellion" following the Battle of Charlotte in 1780, though it was first attested in 1819. The team received further attention when it chose teal as its primary color, setting off
8991-410: The nickname, " The City of Churches ". In 1799, in nearby Cabarrus County, 12-year-old Conrad Reed found a 17- pound rock, which his family used as a doorstop. Three years later, a jeweler determined it was nearly solid gold, paying the family a paltry $ 3.50. The first documented gold find in the United States of any consequence set off the nation's first gold rush . Many veins of gold were found in
9102-528: The northeast area known as University City . The large area known as Southeast Charlotte is home to many golf communities, luxury developments, churches, the Jewish community center, and private schools. As undeveloped land within Mecklenburg has become scarce, many of these communities have expanded into Weddington and Waxhaw in Union County . Ballantyne , in the south of Charlotte, and nearly every area on
9213-466: The off-season, the team picked Gerald Henderson from Duke 12th overall in the 2009 NBA draft . The Bobcats traded Emeka Okafor for New Orleans Hornets' center Tyson Chandler , and through more trades acquired Stephen Jackson and Acie Law from the Golden State Warriors . On February 27, 2010, it was announced that Johnson had decided to sell the team to Jordan, allowing Jordan to become
9324-504: The organization had submitted an application to change the name of the franchise to the Charlotte Hornets for the 2014–15 NBA season, pending a majority vote for approval by the NBA Board of Governors at a meeting in Las Vegas on July 18, 2013. The NBA announced, on July 18, 2013, that it had unanimously approved the rebranding, which would begin upon the conclusion of the 2013–14 season. The Bobcats announced on November 22, they would adopt
9435-462: The original Hornets era. In the off-season, Jeremy Lin would go to sign with the Brooklyn Nets , Al Jefferson to the Indiana Pacers , and Courtney Lee to the New York Knicks , but the Hornets were able to re-sign Nicolas Batum and Marvin Williams, as well as bring in former All-star Roy Hibbert , Marco Belinelli and Ramon Sessions for a second stint. Hibbert would be traded mid-season to
9546-430: The playoffs. Despite injuries to both Johnson and Mourning, the two led the team in points-per-game. In the 1994–95 season , the Hornets finished with a 50–32 record, returning to the playoffs . Johnson and Mourning again led the team in points-per-game, while also leading the club in rebounding. However, Charlotte was bounced from the playoffs in the first round, falling to the Chicago Bulls in four games. Following
9657-408: The point for the injured Muggsy Bogues . The Hornets were competitive but failed to qualify for the playoffs, again finishing with a 41–41 record. Allan Bristow resigned at the end of the season, and was replaced by Dave Cowens . The 1996 off-season was again marked by vast changes: Anderson declined to re-sign, Johnson was shipped to the Knicks for power forward Anthony Mason , and the team made
9768-635: The poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.8% of those under the age of 18 and 9.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. Charlotte has been historically Protestant and remains predominantly Protestant today. It is the birthplace of Billy Graham , and is also the historic seat of Southern Presbyterianism . The changing demographics of the city's increasing population have brought scores of new denominations and faiths. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association , Wycliffe Bible Translators ' JAARS Center, SIM Missions Organization, and The Christian Research Institute make their homes in
9879-593: The primary historic center of Charlotte's African American community, is west of Uptown, starting at the Johnson C. Smith University campus and extending to the airport. East of The Plaza and north of Central Avenue, Plaza-Midwood is known for its international population, including Eastern Europeans, Greeks , Middle-Easterners , and Hispanics . North Tryon and the Sugar Creek area include several Asian American communities. NoDa (North Davidson), north of Uptown,
9990-453: The railroad platform in Uptown. Local promotors began building textile factories, starting with the 1881 Charlotte Cotton Mill that still stands at Graham and 5th streets. Charlotte's city population at the 1890 census grew to 11,557. In 1910, Charlotte surpassed Wilmington to become North Carolina's largest city with 34,014 residents. The population grew again during World War I , when
10101-474: The same position and promoting Rod Higgins to President of Basketball Operations. During the 2011 NBA draft the Bobcats sent Jackson, Shaun Livingston , and the 19th pick to Milwaukee and received Corey Maggette and the 7th pick in return. The Bobcats used that pick to draft Bismack Biyombo and with their 9th pick drafted Connecticut's Kemba Walker , the NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player . In
10212-433: The season, the Hornets traded Mourning to the Miami Heat for forward Glen Rice , center Matt Geiger , and guard Khalid Reeves . Glen Rice would make an immediate impact after joining the Hornets, leading the team in scoring and points-per-game during the 1995–96 season . While Rice and Johnson provided high-powered scoring, Geiger tied with Johnson for the team lead in rebounds, and All-Star guard Kenny Anderson ran
10323-450: The second-worst record in the league. Dunlap was fired on April 23, reportedly because the players were turned off by his heavy-handed coaching style. He would be replaced by former Los Angeles Lakers assistant head coach Steve Clifford . During the 2013 NBA draft , the Bobcats selected power forward/center Cody Zeller 4th overall. The Bobcats would also obtain former Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson in free agency. In February 2014,
10434-420: The southeastern United States, Charlotte has a humid subtropical climate ( Köppen Cfa ), with four distinct seasons. Charlotte is part of USDA hardiness zone 8a, transitioning to 7b in the suburbs in all directions except the south. The following narrative reflects 1991–2020 climate data. Winters are short and fairly mild, with a normal January daily mean temperature of 42.1 °F (5.6 °C). On occasion
10545-420: The team improved to 48–34 overall, following the acquisition of players such as Nicolas Batum , Jeremy Lamb , and Jeremy Lin . It was the best season in franchise history since the original Hornets era. Charlotte returned to the playoffs, where they lost to the Heat in seven games in the first round. Along the way, they defeated the Heat twice at Time Warner Cable Arena, the franchise's first playoff wins since
10656-470: The team received Gary Neal and Luke Ridnour in a trade with the Bucks. The new players and coaching staff worked as the Bobcats clinched a playoff berth for the second time in franchise history by beating Cleveland on the road. Charlotte finished the regular season 43–39. However, the Bobcats were swept in four games by defending champion Miami in the first round. On May 21, 2013, Jordan officially announced
10767-450: The temperature can fall below 20 °F (−6.7 °C) but Charlotte also enjoys multiple warm winter days in excess of 65 °F (18.3 °C). On average, there are 59 nights per year that drop to or below freezing, and only 1.5 days that fail to rise above freezing. Precipitation is evenly distributed through the year. Only August stands out as a slightly wetter month, averaging 4.35 inches of rainfall. Summers are hot and humid, with
10878-481: The twelfth overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft . On July 6, 2019, Kemba Walker joined the Boston Celtics through a sign-and-trade deal with the Hornets. On November 18, 2020, the Hornets selected LaMelo Ball with the third overall pick. The Hornets also drafted Vernon Carey Jr. and Grant Riller in the second round of the 2020 NBA draft . On November 29, 2020, the Hornets would acquire Gordon Hayward in
10989-488: The weight of the ice. In August 2015 and September 2016, the city experienced several days of protests related to the police shootings of Jonathan Ferrell and Keith Scott . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 312.00 square miles (808.1 km ), of which 310.02 square miles (802.9 km ) is land and 1.98 square miles (5.1 km ) (0.63%) is water. Charlotte
11100-503: The winner. However, it was discarded by Johnson and the team involved in creating the team's identity, being considered abstract and reminiscent of the then-current Iraq War aerial strikes. Given Charlotte was already home to a cat-named team, the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League , designer Chris Weiller made sure to create a logo that would not be similar to the Panthers logo. It has also been speculated that Johnson chose
11211-739: The year but also many clear, sunny days. Precipitation is generally less frequent in autumn than in spring. On average, Charlotte receives 43.60 inches (1,110 mm) of precipitation annually, evenly distributed throughout the year. Annual precipitation has historically ranged from 26.23 in (666 mm) in 2001 to 68.44 in (1,738 mm) in 1884. There is an average of 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) of snow, mainly in January and February and rarely December or March, with more frequent ice storms and sleet mixed in with rain. Seasonal snowfall has historically ranged from trace amounts in 2011–12 to 22.6 in (57 cm) in 1959–60. Snow and ice storms can have
11322-463: The year with a 31–51 record. The Hornets were in the lottery again in 1992 and won the second overall pick in the draft, using it to select Georgetown center Alonzo Mourning . Charlotte now had two 20–10 threats in Johnson and Mourning, who with Kendall Gill, formed perhaps the league's top young trio. The team finished their fifth season at 44–38, their first-ever winning record and good enough for
11433-420: Was a struggle from start to finish. Members of the team rebelled against Dick Harter's defense-oriented style, and he was replaced mid-season by assistant Gene Littles following an 8–32 start. Despite the change, the team continued to struggle, finishing the season with a disappointing 19–63 record. The team showed improvement during the following season . They won eight of their first fifteen games, including
11544-705: Was active until 1861 when Confederate forces seized it at the outbreak of the Civil War . The mint was not reopened at the war's end, but the building, albeit in a different location, now houses the Mint Museum of Art . The city's first boom came after the Civil War, as Charlotte became a cotton processing center and railroad hub. By the 1880s, Charlotte sat astride the Southern Railway mainline from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. Farmers from miles around would bring cotton to
11655-636: Was changed to the New Orleans Pelicans . As part of an agreement with the NBA, a new team known as the Charlotte Bobcats began competing in the 2004–05 NBA season . On June 15, 2006, Michael Jordan , a former NBA player and member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame , acquired a minority stake in the franchise and became its managing member of basketball operations. On February 17, 2010, an ownership group led by Jordan purchased
11766-743: Was created in 1891 as an amusement park. Bryant Park was established in the 1930s and is one of the earliest small-scale public parks in Charlotte. It is the only green space remaining in West Morehead Street's industrial sector. The 120-acre (49 ha) Park Road Park is a prominent landmark near the SouthPark area. Park Road Park features eight basketball courts, two horseshoe pits, six baseball fields, five picnic shelters, volleyball courts, playgrounds, trails, tennis courts, and an 11-acre (4.5 ha) lake. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks & Recreation Department operates 36 tennis facilities and
11877-510: Was demolished, marking a bitter end to the original Hornets era as it was the home of Charlotte's original NBA franchise. The arena was only 19 years old, owned by the city of Charlotte, but was already considered outdated because of a lack of luxury boxes and suites. The arena was designed for college basketball as part of Charlotte's push to maintain their presence in the ACC basketball tournament rotation. Front office and coaching were key focuses for
11988-556: Was formed from Anson County in 1762. Further apportionment was made in 1792, after the American Revolutionary War, with Cabarrus County formed from Mecklenburg. In 1842, Union County formed from Mecklenburg's southeastern portion and a western portion of Anson County. These areas were all part of one of the original six judicial/military districts of North Carolina known as the Salisbury District . The area that
12099-467: Was named an All-Star Game starter for the Eastern Conference, his first starting role in an All-Star Game, and matched only Glen Rice for his third All-Star Game appearance in his Hornets career. During the 2018–19 season , Charlotte finished the season with a 39–43 record finishing 2nd in the division and 9th in the Eastern Conference. On June 20, 2019, the Hornets selected P. J. Washington with
12210-491: Was named as the new president of basketball operations and general manager. On April 13, 2018, the Hornets fired head coach Steve Clifford after five seasons, who coached the team to a 196–214 record total, and named James Borrego as his replacement on May 10. On July 23, 2018, Tony Parker , who spent the previous 17 years of his career with the San Antonio Spurs , signed with the Hornets. In January 2019 Kemba Walker
12321-562: Was part of the Great Wagon Road ; the second path ran east–west along what is now Trade Street. Nicknamed the "Queen City", like its county a few years earlier, Charlotte was named in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz , who had become the queen consort of Great Britain and Ireland in 1761, seven years before the town's incorporation. A second nickname derives from the American Revolutionary War , when British commander General Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis occupied
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