Knights help Charlotte youth lead the way

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Nonprofit selected as one of five CommUNITY grant recipients

For Charlotte’s Megan Smithers, nominating an organization for Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY grant program was a no-brainer, given the team’s relationship with and appreciation for the Young Black Leadership Alliance.

The Knights’ director of community relations selected YBLA for its involvement with Black youth in the Charlotte area. Founded in 2006, YBLA works to “educate and develop young black leaders to have a positive impact in their community and beyond.” Through its flagship Ambassador program, YBLA identifies student leaders in high school, helps get them ready for college and their early professional years while also training them to mentor students of all grade levels.

Recently, in light of social justice issues that have come to the forefront, YBLA launched another campaign called Community Conversations — a three-tier program aiming to educate, collaborate and solve disparities affecting the Black community in Charlotte.

“Community Conversations has been a great way to create positive communication,” Smithers said. “They’ve been able to create a platform where people can come join and talk openly and really either educate themselves or listen to other people.

“I think the leaders and founders of YBLA realized the opportunity to create positive conversation. This also showed these young Black youth that they are helping to further their careers and further their education. It allowed them to get involved.”

Members of the Young Black Leadership Alliance enjoy a Knights game. Charlotte Knights

Eager to recognize the important work of nonprofit organizations in 2020, Minor League Baseball came up with the idea of awarding five $500 grants to organizations spanning the country that are supporting their local and diverse community in an impactful, relevant way. YBLA joins Dreams Go On (Altoona Curve), Charleston Hope (Charleston RiverDogs), El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (El Paso Chihuahuas) and ¡HICA! (Birmingham Barons) as recipients receiving that grant on behalf of MiLB Charities.

“YBLA is doing some really great things in our community,” Smithers said. “They make sure (their ambassadors) succeed, go to college and become good community advocates.”

This is not the first time the Knights have helped recognize the efforts of YBLA. In 2017, Charlotte awarded the organization a $3,500 grant as part of its Safe at Home campaign. The Knights also work closely with YBLA for education opportunities in the sports industry, serving as a community liaison.

“If they have kids in their program that have sports-tracked minds or want to go into sports, we are a good advocate for them,” Smithers said.

COVID-19 has forced YBLA’s in-person sessions for the 2020-21 school year to be conducted online. However, that hasn’t hindered the organization’s ability to impact and inspire the Charlotte community. Community Conversations still take place online every Tuesday, and the sessions are open to the public.

“This allowed the youth to get involved, which was a different aspect hearing how things are affecting them,” Smithers said. “It’s definitely a cool way that they were able to engage with all the demographics during this kind of unrest.”

Katie Woo is an editorial producer for Minor League Baseball. Follow her on twitter at @katiejwoo.

“Week of Giving” Presented by Truist

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

2020 Week of Giving

 

The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the team’s “Knights Care 4 CLT” initiative, which was launched back on April 15, has raised over $125,000 and the team will now disperse the funds to those affected by COVID-19. With help from a $75,000 donation from naming rights partner, Truist, and additional contributions from Charlotte Knights Charities, sponsors and fans, the team will donate those funds to healthcare workers, seven local-area charities, and Knights’ employees (part-time, game-day, and full-time) who are in need.

“As this pandemic continues to affect so many in our community, we are very pleased to begin dispersing these much-needed funds to those who need some help,” stated Dan Rajkowski, Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer. “We are so thankful to Truist, as well as our generous partners and fans who helped us raise these funds for those in need. Baseball has a way of bringing communities together and we hope that we are able to help those in the community who have been affected by this difficult time in our nation’s history.”

In addition to the funds dispersed to Knights’ displaced employees due to COVID-19 from the cancellation of the 2020 season, the team is also contributing $15,000 from the “Knights Care 4 CLT” fund to Atrium Health, one of the team’s founding partners.

Rajkowski added, “In the face of this pandemic, our healthcare workers rose to the challenge and continued to care for our community in this time of need. As a part of our Knights Care 4 CLT campaign, we are very pleased to donate a portion of the funds to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund, addressing PPE and supply shortages.”

“It’s generous support from community partners like the Charlotte Knights that continues to enhance Atrium Health’s efforts to fulfill its mission of providing the best care to all during the current pandemic,” said Armando Chardiet, President of Atrium Health Foundation. “The Charlotte Knights organization has been a close friend of the Foundation since 2002, and we are extremely grateful for their recent $15,000 contribution to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund.”

As part of this initiative, the Knights have selected seven local Charlotte area nonprofits who were in need of some extra funding during these unprecedented times. Organizations receiving the allocated funds — a total of $40,000 — include Bright Blessings, Care Ring, Classroom Central, Promising Pages, Roof Above, Second Harvest Food Bank and A Child’s Place | Thompson Child & Family Focus. As part of the financial donations to these organizations, members of the team’s front office staff will also volunteer their time from August 3-10 during the club’s annual “Week of Giving” presented by Truist. The Knights’ front office staff committed to a goal of 500 community service hours through non-profits, blood drive contributions, and an educational outreach program as part of the Knights Care 4 CLT campaign. To date, the Knights have given 550+ hours back to the community through various in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities.

“Knights Care 4 CLT” Raised Over $125,000 

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the team’s “Knights Care 4 CLT” initiative, which was launched back on April 15, has raised over $125,000 and the team will now disperse the funds to those affected by COVID-19. With help from a $75,000 donation from naming rights partner, Truist, and additional contributions from Charlotte Knights Charities, sponsors and fans, the team will donate those funds to healthcare workers, seven local-area charities, and Knights’ employees (part-time, game-day, and full-time) who are in need.

“As this pandemic continues to affect so many in our community, we are very pleased to begin dispersing these much-needed funds to those who need some help,” stated Dan Rajkowski, Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer. “We are so thankful to Truist, as well as our generous partners and fans who helped us raise these funds for those in need. Baseball has a way of bringing communities together and we hope that we are able to help those in the community who have been affected by this difficult time in our nation’s history.”

In addition to the funds dispersed to Knights’ displaced employees due to COVID-19 from the cancellation of the 2020 season, the team is also contributing $15,000 from the “Knights Care 4 CLT” fund to Atrium Health, one of the team’s founding partners.

Rajkowski added, “In the face of this pandemic, our healthcare workers rose to the challenge and continued to care for our community in this time of need. As a part of our Knights Care 4 CLT campaign, we are very pleased to donate a portion of the funds to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund, addressing PPE and supply shortages.”

“It’s generous support from community partners like the Charlotte Knights that continues to enhance Atrium Health’s efforts to fulfill its mission of providing the best care to all during the current pandemic,” said Armando Chardiet, President of Atrium Health Foundation. “The Charlotte Knights organization has been a close friend of the Foundation since 2002, and we are extremely grateful for their recent $15,000 contribution to the Atrium Health Essential Needs Fund.”

As part of this initiative, the Knights have selected seven local Charlotte area nonprofits who were in need of some extra funding during these unprecedented times. Organizations receiving the allocated funds — a total of $40,000 — include Bright Blessings, Care Ring, Classroom Central, Promising Pages, Roof Above, Second Harvest Food Bank and A Child’s Place | Thompson Child & Family Focus. As part of the financial donations to these organizations, members of the team’s front office staff will also volunteer their time from August 3-10 during the club’s annual “Week of Giving” presented by Truist. The Knights’ front office staff committed to a goal of 500 community service hours through non-profits, blood drive contributions, and an educational outreach program as part of the Knights Care 4 CLT campaign. To date, the Knights have given 550+ hours back to the community through various in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities..

For more information, or how fans, partners, and other interested parties can continue to help those in need, please visit the link here —> KNIGHTS CARE 4 CLT

2020 Charlotte Area High School Senior All-Star Classic presented by Truist

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — The Charlotte Knights are pleased to announce that the 2020 Charlotte Area High School Senior All-Star Classic presented by Truist will take place on Thursday, July 9 at Truist Field. First pitch of the game is set for 4:30 PM. Gates will be closed to the general public.

“We are pleased to be able to host this great game,” stated Charlotte Knights Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski. “This will be a special day for all of these athletes, their families, and the Charlotte community. We look forward to a memorable day at the ballpark on Thursday.”

The Charlotte High School Varsity League, which features about 100 players from a dozen area local high schools, was formed last month after the high school baseball season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league, which fielded six teams, played games in Matthews and Huntersville in June and early July. The All-Star Classic will give the seniors in the league the chance to play their last prep game at one of the premier baseball venues in the country, Truist Field.

Knights Announce 2020 Scholarships with Founding Partners

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — The Charlotte Knights will once again provide educational funding through two unique scholarships for high school students with help from two of their founding partners. The Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship, presented by Atrium Health, along with the Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship Program, presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, each represent the team’s focus on community initiatives.

The Knights and Atrium Health began their partnership in 2013 with the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship program. Over the course of seven years, a total of 21 high school students have each been honored with a $1,000 scholarship. In an effort to improve educational funding for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care, the Charlotte Knights and Atrium Health will provide three more $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors in 2020. The upcoming season will mark the eighth consecutive year of this partnership.

“We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the Charlotte Knights to provide academic scholarships to deserving students with an interest in healthcare,” said Rasu Shrestha, MD, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Atrium Health. “By empowering and supporting the next generation, we’re able to be a small part of these students having a meaningful impact on communities in the future as they provide health, hope and healing to countless lives.”

The Knights and Piedmont Natural Gas will also continue to award three $1,000 college scholarships to high school seniors from the Charlotte region who plan to attend college and pursue studies in the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering or math. Launched in 2014, Piedmont Natural Gas and the Knights have awarded a total of 18 scholarships to students attending college within Piedmont’s service territories in North and South Carolina. The 2020 season will mark the seventh consecutive year of this partnership.

“Piedmont Natural Gas is committed to promoting education and careers in STEM, which is why we’re honored to partner with the Knights on this scholarship for the seventh year,” said Barbara Ashford, director of community relations for Piedmont Natural Gas. “Supporting and providing opportunities to bright young minds in our community through the STEM Scholarship Program is something we take pride in each year.”

The Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship Program, presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, will be awarded during an on-field ceremony on Tuesday, June 16. The Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship, presented Atrium Health, will be awarded during an on-field ceremony at BB&T Ballpark on Wednesday, June 17. All applications must be completed by Sunday, May 3, 2020.

APPLICATIONS

About Atrium Health
Atrium Health, previously Carolinas HealthCare System, one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives. http://atriumhealth.org

About Piedmont Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, is an energy services company whose principal business is the distribution of natural gas to more than 1 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The company also supplies natural gas to power plants. Piedmont is routinely recognized by J.D. Power for excellent customer satisfaction, and has been named by Cogent Reports as one of the most trusted utility brands in the U.S.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.

Duke Energy is transforming its customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2020 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, and Forbes’ 2019 “America’s Best Employers” list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental topics. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Opening Knight of the 2020 season is set for Thursday, April 16 at 7:04 p.m. from BB&T Ballpark. Single-game tickets for all home games this season are available now by phone at 704-274-8282, online at www.CharlotteKnights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

National Anthem Auditions at Queen City Q on February 18

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — The Charlotte Knights and Queen City Q — the team’s Official BBQ — are once again teaming up to host the club’s annual National Anthem auditions on Tuesday, February 18. For the seventh consecutive season, the auditions will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Queen City Q in Uptown Charlotte. The auditions are free of charge and are open to the public. Performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Contestants will be required to pre-register before February 18 and will be given a specific time to perform that evening.

Anyone interested in auditioning at Queen City Q on February 18 should fill out an online registration form: http://bit.ly/KnightsNationalAnthemAuditions_2020.

Each individual will be given a maximum of two minutes to perform his or her best rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” on stage at Queen City Q. All in-person auditions will be given priority when selecting National Anthem performers for the upcoming 2020 season. Individuals with instruments are more than welcome to audition, but will need to bring their own equipment. Queen City Q is located at 225 E. 6th Street, Charlotte, NC 28101.

The Knights and Queen City Q recently renewed their partnership. Queen City Q has been prominently featured at BB&T Ballpark since April 11, 2014 — the opening of the team’s Uptown Charlotte home. The Knights and Queen City Q will now continue their partnership for another three seasons (through 2022).

“We have enjoyed a tremendous relationship with the Knights over the past six seasons and look forward to the next three seasons,” said Bryan Meredith, Managing Partner of Queen City Q.

Season memberships, as well as the Triple Play Plan, are available now by phone at 704-274-8282, online at CharlotteKnights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office. Single-game tickets for all home games this season will go on sale to the general public in person at BB&T Ballpark beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8 (online and by phone at 12 p.m. noon on February 8).

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Knights Hiring for Upcoming 2020 Season

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Charlotte Knights are now hiring a number of seasonal positions for the upcoming 2020 season. The team kicks off the upcoming campaign — their seventh in Uptown Charlotte — on Thursday, April 16 at 7:04 p.m. against the Durham Bulls at BB&T Ballpark.

Currently, the Knights have seasonal positions available in Promotions, Grounds, and Kids Zone. Additionally, Professional Sports Catering — the Official Food Service Provider of the Charlotte Knights — are in search of dedicated team members in a number of areas.

For more details, or to apply for any of the positions, please click on the job positions listed below:

GROUNDS
PROMO TEAM
KIDS ZONE
FOOD SERVICE

For additional openings on TeamWorkOnline, click here —> EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

“Fields For Our Future” Winner Crowned

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

 

(UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC) — Back in August, the Charlotte Knights announced a partnership with Sta-Green and Lowe’s to launch “Fields For Our Future” — an annual field renovation project. Today, the Knights are excited to announce that the girls’ softball field at Mint Hill Athletic Association has been crowned as the inaugural winner. The field makeover is set to take place in November.

The entire project will be led by Charlotte Knights head groundskeeper, Matt Parrott, his staff, as well as members of the Charlotte Knights front office staff, and members from Sta-Green and Lowe’s. Earlier this year, (February 13), the Knights began a partnership with Sta-Green and Lowe’s and helped improve the conditions of the Phillip O. Berry Academy High School baseball field.

“Sta-Green is excited to partner with the Charlotte Knights again and make a difference for youth sports in our area,” stated Jennifer Puncochar, Central Garden & Pet. “We’re honored to give back to the Mint Hill community and help renovate the girls’ softball field.”

Sta-Green grass seed, fertilizer, and plant food are available exclusively at Lowe’s.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Minor League Teams Across Carolinas Unite For Storm Relief

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In the wake of Hurricane Florence that hit and devastated parts of South Carolina and much of North Carolina over the past week, thirteen Minor League Baseball teams in the two states are coming together to support and raise money for those victims in their states. The Asheville Tourists, Burlington Royals, Carolina Mudcats, Charleston RiverDogs, Charlotte Knights, Columbia Fireflies, Down East Wood Ducks, Durham Bulls, Greensboro Grasshoppers, Hickory Crawdads, Kannapolis Intimidators, Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Winston-Salem Dash announced today that they have created a joint GoFundMe page, raising funds for branches of the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

The thirteen-­‐‑team dual state alliance will work together to maximize fundraising efforts across the state, utilizing the hashtag: #CarolinaStrong.

A State of Emergency was issued on September 7 by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and on September 8 for South Carolina by Governor Henry McMaster. More than 1 million people were told to evacuate coastal areas in the two states. President Trump declared a State of Emergency in the Carolinas on September 10. A day later FEMA announced that federal emergency aid would be made available.   As of Thursday, 37 deaths had been reported due to Florence with 27 confirmed in North Carolina and eight in South Carolina.

Both states have received unprecedented rainfall and flooding from a tropical cyclone, and hundreds of miles of roads were closed in each state. North Carolina Department of Public Safety is reminding residents to stay alert for continued flooding, power outages, and downed trees. Though evacuation orders have been lifted for the coastal regions of South Carolina, Florence’s aftermath has already begun to flood parts of the state while other areas remain on high alert for flooding in the coming days. Even this morning, Florence County issued a mandatory evacuation for several areas due to severe flooding.

“We’ve seen time and again that the residents of North and South Carolina are strong and resilient. In difficult times we stand by one another and lift up those in need. This time won’t be any different,” said the General Managers of the 13 MiLB teams in a joint statement. “Our teams are an integral part of the fabric of the community within our respective cities across North and South Carolina. While most days we operate as separate organizations, today we band together to support the citizens of these two great states.”

Those wishing to contribute can head to the #CarolinaStrong GoFundMe page at the following link: http://bit.ly/GoFundCarolinaStrong. All funds raised through this campaign will be donated to the American Red Cross in affected areas of North Carolina and South Carolina.

ABOUT THE ASHEVILLE TOURISTS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Colorado Rockies and play their home games at McCormick Field in Asheville, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Larry Hawkins. For more information on the Tourists please call (828) 258-0428.

ABOUT THE BURLINGTON ROYALS: They are the Rookie affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play their home games at Burlington Athletic Stadium in Burlington, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Mikie Morrison. For more information please call (336) 222-0223.

ABOUT THE CAROLINA MUDCATS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play their home games at Five County Stadium in Zebulon, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Joe Kremer. For more information please call (919) 269-2278.

ABOUT THE CHARLESTON RIVERDOGS: They are the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees and play their home games at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in Charleston, South Carolina. Their General Manager is Dave Echols. For more information please call (843) 723-7241.

ABOUT THE CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS: They are the Class AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Rob Egan. For more information please call (704) 274-8300.

ABOUT THE COLUMBIA FIREFLIES: They are the Class A affiliate of the New York Mets and play their home games at Spirit Communications Park in Columbia, South Carolina. Their President is John Katz. For more information please call (803) 726-4487.

ABOUT THE DOWN EAST WOOD DUCKS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their home games at Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Wade Howell. For more information please call (252) 686-5172.

ABOUT THE DURHAM BULLS: They are the Class AAA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina. Their Vice President-Baseball Operations is Mike Birling. For more information please call (919) 687-6500.

ABOUT THE GREENSBORO GRASSHOPPERS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates and play their home games at First National Bank Field in Greensboro, North Carolina. Their Vice President of Baseball Operations is Katie Dannemiller. For more information please call (336) 268-2255.

ABOUT THE HICKORY CRAWDADS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their home games at L.P. Frans Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina. Their General Manager is Mark Seaman. For more information please call (828) 332-3000.

ABOUT THE KANNAOPLIS INTIMIDATORS: They are the Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at Intimidators Stadium in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Their President/General Manager is Brian Radle. For more information please call (704) 932-3267.

ABOUT THE MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and play their home games at TicketReturn.Com Field at Pelicans Ballpark in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Their General Manager is Ryan Moore. For more information please call (843) 918-6000.

ABOUT THE WINSTON-SALEM DASH: They are the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and play their home games at BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Their Vice President of Baseball Operations is Ryan Manuel. For more information please call (336) 714-2287.

Knights Announce 2015 Scholarships with Founding Partners

From L-R -- 2014 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship recipients: Adam Miranda (NC State), Xena Nguyen (UNC - Chapel Hill), Sarah York (Wake Forest) and Homer the Dragon.
From L-R — 2014 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship recipients: Adam Miranda (NC State), Xena Nguyen (UNC – Chapel Hill), Sarah York (Wake Forest) and Homer the Dragon.

Charlotte-Knights-2014The Charlotte Knights are once again teaming up with two of their founding partners to provide educational funding through two unique scholarships for high school students. The Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship, presented by Carolinas HealthCare System, along with the Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship Program, presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, each represent the team’s focus on community initiatives.

“We are excited to once again team with Carolinas HealthCare System and Piedmont Natural Gas on these very important scholarships for local high school students,” said Chris Semmens, Charlotte Knights vice president of sales. “Supporting education is one of our primary goals and we look forward to working with our founding partners to help local students prepare for successful careers.”

The Knights and Carolinas HealthCare System began their partnership in 2013 with the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship program. That season, the Knights honored high school students John Dock Tallent (Appalachian State University), Gisele Bailey (Harvard University) and Stephanie Smith (UNC – Chapel Hill) as the inaugural recipients of the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship program presented by Carolinas HealthCare System. Last season, three more high school students were awarded a $1,000 scholarship each — Adam Miranda (NC State), Sarah York (Wake Forest), and Xena Nguyen (UNC – Chapel Hill).

In an effort to improve educational funding for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care, the Charlotte Knights and Carolinas HealthCare System will once again provide three $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors in 2015.

“Carolinas HealthCare System’s vision is to lead the transformation of health care delivery and a key part of that effort is attracting the next generation of motivated, creative health care professionals,” said Carol Lovin, Executive Vice President of Carolinas HealthCare System. “Partnering with the Charlotte Knights to provide these scholarships is a great way to help turn that vision into reality.”

The Knights and Piedmont Natural Gas also will award three $1,000 college scholarships to high school seniors from the Charlotte region who plan to attend college and pursue studies in the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering or math. Last year, Piedmont and the Knights awarded three $1,000 scholarships to students attending college within Piedmont’s service territories in North and South Carolina. The three winners of the inaugural scholarship were EmmaLee Apple (Alamance Community College), James Reynolds (Bob Jones University), and Cody Wright (Guilford Technical Community College).

“STEM education is a focus area for Piedmont Natural Gas, and we are happy to join the Knights in offering these scholarships to students in the Charlotte region,” said Timothy Greenhouse, managing director of community relations for Piedmont Natural Gas. “Piedmont will continue to support programs like this that expand educational opportunities in our communities.”

The Carolinas HealthCare System scholarships will be awarded during an on-field ceremony at BB&T Ballpark on Tuesday, July 21, while the Piedmont Natural Gas scholarships will be awarded during an on-field ceremony on Thursday, July 23.

More details about each of the scholarships, along with applications to apply, guidelines and more, are now available at charlotteknights.com. All applications must be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Charlotte Knights Annual Scholarship at 324 South Mint St., Charlotte, NC 28202. All applications must be postmarked by May 1, 2015.

* 2015 Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Application
* 2015 Charlotte Knights STEM Scholarship Application

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Charlotte Business Journal Honors Knights & BB&T Ballpark With Two Awards

The Knights welcomed 696,601 fans through the gates in 2014. (Jon Strayhorn)
The Knights welcomed 696,601 fans through the gates in 2014. (Jon Strayhorn)

Charlotte-Knights-2014The Charlotte Business Journal named the Charlotte Knights among their inaugural Heavy Hitters Commercial Real Estate award winners earlier this week. The Knights were honored with the Economic Development Award for New & Existing Industry and the Top Hospitality/Entertainment Development Award. Members of the Charlotte Knights staff will accept the awards on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte.

“We are very honored to be the recipient of these prestigious awards,” said Charlotte Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski. “We are very proud of BB&T Ballpark and very appreciative of the support we have received from the Greater Charlotte Region and our fans throughout our inaugural season.”

The awards honor the best commercial real estate deals and developments across the region from June 30, 2013, to July 1, 2014. The winners were selected by a panel of industry experts working in combination with the Charlotte Business Journal staff.

BB&T Ballpark, which opened its gates on Friday, April 11, 2014, was the most visited Minor League Baseball venue this season. Including the Triple-A National Championship Game, the Knights welcomed 696,601 fans during their inaugural season in Uptown Charlotte — leading all of Minor League Baseball in attendance. The ballpark also welcomes thousands of additional guests year-round with events such as Charlotte BeerFest, the Toshiba trade show, and the City of Charlotte’s Back To School Day.

The Charlotte Knights will begin their second season at BB&T Ballpark on Thursday, April 9 with their 2015 home opener against the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles). Season tickets are currently available and fans can purchase tickets online at charlotteknights.com, by phone at 704-274-8282, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

BB&T Ballpark Awarded Prestigious LEED ® Green Building Certification

CharlotteKnights_2014-09-04
LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

Charlotte-Knights-2014The Charlotte Knights announced that BB&T Ballpark has been awarded LEED ® (level of certification). LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

“The Knights organization was committed to the LEED certification of the ballpark,” said Gau Gupte, Odell. “The entire team, including the architects, contractors and engineers, focused the goal of being LEED certified from day one. This included energy efficient systems, high performance building envelope design and green material choices and construction processes.”

The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes, and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. More than 58,000 commercial and institutional projects are currently participating in LEED, comprising more than 10.7 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and more than 140 countries.

BB&T Ballpark achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance in: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most-important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The work of innovative building projects such as BB&T Ballpark is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement.”

The 2014 inaugural season at BB&T Ballpark was a record-breaking one for the Knights, who led all of Minor League Baseball in attendance with 687,715 fans in 71 games. With 31 sell-out crowds, and an average of 9,686 fans per game, BB&T Ballpark was the most visited ballpark in the country in just its first season.

In anticipation of more interest in the Knights Uptown, Charlotte Knights ownership authorized the creation of a new 501 (c) (3) organization named Knights Charities. The first initiative involved a commemorative brick program installed in phases at BB&T Ballpark’s main gate. Fans responded by investing in hundreds of bricks that netted more than $75,000 to the coffers of Knights Charities.

Knights Charities has already made an impact in the Charlotte community. With help of corporate sponsors, the team has generated more than $70,000. Annual events such as Pink Knights, the Charlotte Knights Golf Classic, and others resulted in more than $35,000. Knights players contributed to the cause with funds raised for runs scored, double plays, and triples.

 

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Two Peanut-Controlled Nights Set for August

For both games, the Knights will welcome all fans with peanut allergies in Power Alley sections 124-126 for a great night of baseball.
For both games, the Knights will welcome all fans with peanut allergies in Power Alley sections 124-126 for a great night of baseball.

Charlotte-Knights-2014On Wednesday, August 6, the Charlotte Knights will host their first of two “Peanut-Controlled Games” at BB&T Ballpark this season. Fans with peanut allergies will be able cheer on the Knights in the team’s “Peanut-Controlled Zone” where sales of peanuts will be halted in that section and fans will not be allowed to consume peanut products in that area.

“We wanted to make sure that those with peanut allergies have their chance to enjoy a game at BB&T Ballpark this season,” said Knights COO Dan Rajkowski. “Our hope is that these two games will provide those fans and families with peanut allergies a chance for a safe and enjoyable game in Uptown Charlotte.”

Gates open at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 as the Knights host the Gwinnett Braves (Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) in a 7:05 p.m. game. The second of the two games will take place on Sunday, August 24 at 5:05 p.m. at BB&T Ballpark as the Knights host the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles). Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on August 24.

For both games, the Knights will welcome all fans with peanut allergies in Power Alley sections 124-126 for a great night of baseball. Signage will be present to alert other fans that the area is a “Peanut-Controlled Zone” and no peanuts will be consumed in that area for the duration of the day. For the least peanut-exposed path to the Power Alley sections, fans should enter BB&T Ballpark through the center field gate.

Tickets in the Power Alley sections for each of the “Peanut-Controlled Games” are just $8 in advance and are available by phone at 704-357-8071, online at www.charlotteknights.com, or in person at the BB&T Ballpark Ticket Office. Fans ordering online should use promo code “peanutfree”.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.

Charlotte Knights Announce Scholarship Programs for 2014

CharlotteKnights_2014-02-18

(Uptown Charlotte, NC) – A year ago, the Charlotte Knights teamed up with Carolinas HealthCare System and announced an initiative to provide three high school seniors with a $1,000 scholarship each. With the success of Charlotte Knights HealthCare Scholarship Program, presented by Carolinas HealthCare System, the Knights and Carolinas HealthCare System are once again continuing their partnership for 2014. In addition, the Knights are pleased to announce a partnership with one of their founding partners – Piedmont Natural Gas – on another exciting scholarship program. Both scholarships will provide students with educational funding for college.

In an effort to improve educational funding for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, the Charlotte Knights and Carolinas HealthCare System will provide three $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors. New for 2014, the Charlotte Knights along with Piedmont Natural Gas, will provide three $1,000 college scholarships to sophomore students attending college in Piedmont Natural Gas’ service territory. This scholarship is for college students who are interested in pursuing a career in Engineering, Business Administration and Environmental Science.

Last year at Knights Stadium, the Knights honored high school students John Dock Tallent, Gisele Bailey, and Stephanie Smith, as the inaugural recipients of the Charlotte Knights HealthCare Scholarship Program presented by Carolinas HealthCare System. This year’s winners will be honored before a game at BB&T Ballpark.

Applications for both the Charlotte Knights Healthcare Scholarship Program, presented by Carolinas HealthCare System, and the Piedmont Natural Gas Scholarship Program, are available at charlotteknights.com. All applications must be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Charlotte Knights Annual Scholarship at 324 South Mint St., Charlotte, NC 28202. All applications must be postmarked by April 4, 2014.

About Carolinas HealthCare System
Carolinas HealthCare System (carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Carolinas HealthCare System works to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.

About Piedmont Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas is an energy services company primarily engaged in the distribution of natural gas to more than one million residential, commercial, industrial and power generation utility customers in portions of North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, including customers served by municipalities who are wholesale customers. Our subsidiaries are invested in joint venture, energy-related businesses, including unregulated retail natural gas marketing, and regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage, and regulated intrastate natural gas transportation businesses. More information about Piedmont Natural Gas is available on the Internet at http://www.piedmontng.com/.

The Knights will open BB&T Ballpark on Friday night, April 11 at 7:05 p.m. against the Norfolk Tides. Season tickets, as well as group tickets and partial season ticket plans for the 2014 inaugural season at BB&T Ballpark, are on sale now and can be purchased by phone at (980) 207-0079 or by email at [email protected]. For more information about Charlotte Knights Baseball, log on to www.charlotteknights.com. Uptown Knights are Better Than Ever!

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Charlotte Knights. Click here to view the original story.