Charlotte, North Carolina, January 7, 2026
Charlotte is buzzing with excitement following recent announcements affecting local sports and consumer experiences. Sandis Vilmanis of the Charlotte Checkers has been named to Latvia’s national ice hockey roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics, marking a significant achievement. Additionally, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame revealed its 2026 induction class, honoring legendary athletes. On a national level, Chick-fil-A has launched its yearlong ‘Newstalgia’ celebration to commemorate its 80th anniversary, complete with new menu items and engaging promotions.
Charlotte, North Carolina – January 7, 2026
Charlotte is abuzz with significant announcements impacting local sports and national consumer experiences, all revealed within the past 48 hours. A Charlotte Checkers player has secured a coveted spot on Latvia’s national ice hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a historic achievement for the local team. Concurrently, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame has unveiled its distinguished 2026 induction class, honoring state legends across various sports. Nationwide, Chick-fil-A has commenced a yearlong campaign to celebrate its 80th anniversary, introducing new menu items and engaging promotions.
International Stage Awaits Local Talent
Forward Sandis Vilmanis, a prominent member of the Charlotte Checkers, has been officially named to Latvia’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, an announcement made on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. This selection is particularly notable as Vilmanis, at 21 years old, becomes the first active player from the Charlotte Checkers team to be chosen for the Winter Games, marking his Olympic debut. The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are scheduled to take place in Italy from February 6-22, with men’s hockey commencing on February 11. Latvia is set to open its tournament play against the United States on February 12.
Vilmanis is currently in his second professional hockey season in North America, both with the Charlotte Checkers. During his tenure, he has amassed a total of 17 goals and 28 assists over 90 career games. For the current season, he is tied for the team lead in points, tied for second in assists, and tied for third in goals. Before this Olympic selection, Vilmanis represented Latvia in three consecutive World Junior Championships from 2022 to 2024. He was originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round, 157th overall, of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The Charlotte Checkers’ current roster includes former Olympians such as forward Nate Smith, who represented the United States in 2022, and assistant coach Bobby Sanguinetti, who represented the United States in 2018. Several former Checkers players are also slated to represent their home countries in the upcoming games, including Uvis Balinskis for Latvia, Gustav Forsling for Sweden, and Eetu Luostarinen for Finland.
North Carolina Celebrates Sporting Greats
The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame officially revealed its 2026 induction class on Monday, January 5, 2026. This prestigious class comprises 11 individuals who have significantly contributed to the state’s athletic legacy. The induction ceremony, marking the 62nd annual celebration, is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Sheraton at Four Seasons Convention Center in Greensboro. With the addition of these 11 new members, the total number of inductees into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame will reach 433.
The 2026 inductees represent a diverse array of sports and include:
- Chip Beck (golf), a four-time winner on the PGA TOUR who played on three Ryder Cup teams.
- Heather Bergsma (speed skating), a High Point native who competed in three Olympics, earning a bronze medal in team pursuit at the 2018 Winter Games, and held four world records during her career.
- Louis Breeden (football), a Hamlet native who played 10 seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, including being a first-team All-Pro selection in 1982.
- Leonard Hamilton (basketball coach), the winningest basketball coach in Florida State history with a record of 460-296, who also won ACC championships in 2012 and 2020.
- Tyler Hansbrough (basketball), a University of North Carolina legend who is the ACC’s all-time leading scorer with 2,872 career points and was the unanimous National Player of the Year in 2008.
- Richard Huntley (football), a former Winston-Salem State football standout.
- John Isner (tennis), a Greensboro native who recorded 14,411 career aces, won 16 ATP titles, and was a 2012 Olympian.
- Norvell Lee (basketball coach), inducted posthumously, known for coaching at Goldsboro High School and St. Augustine’s College.
- Eddie Pope (soccer), a High Point native who starred at UNC, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1996 MLS Draft, and earned five MLS All-Star selections.
- Kelvin Sampson (basketball coach), a Laurinburg native and the first Native American to be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, who led the Houston Cougars to the Final Four.
- Jerry Winterton (wrestling coach), a legendary high school wrestling coach from Cary whose teams won 11 state titles.
Nationwide Initiative Launched by Popular Chain
Chick-fil-A has officially initiated its yearlong “Newstalgia” celebration across the nation, beginning Monday, January 5, 2026, to commemorate its 80th anniversary. The extensive campaign aims to blend the company’s rich heritage with modern innovations, offering a variety of new experiences for customers throughout 2026.
Key features of this nationwide initiative include:
- Introduction of new Frosted Sodas and Floats to the permanent menu, combining Chick-fil-A Icedream with fountain beverages.
- Release of limited-time retro packaging for the iconic Original Chicken Sandwich, featuring vintage designs from the company’s archives.
- Availability of collectible Classic Cups for $3.99, which will feature four rotating retro designs throughout the year.
- A Golden Fan Cup Sweepstakes where 3,000 specially marked Gold Fan Cups, randomly mixed with the Classic Cups, offer winners a year of free Chick-fil-A. This prize includes 52 entrees, such as an Original Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, or an 8-count Chick-fil-A Nuggets, at participating locations. The sweepstakes will run through July 1, or while supplies last.
- Launch of Specialty Plush Cow toys for $9.99 and additional cow-themed merchandise available in restaurants and online.
- Plans to introduce updated Kids Meal offerings and a new limited-time breakfast item later in the year, currently being tested in select markets.
- The return of the popular Cow Appreciation Day during the summer.
- A revived Cow Calendar, enhanced with a new digital component integrated into the Chick-fil-A app.
The “Newstalgia” campaign seeks to celebrate the memories and moments that have defined Chick-fil-A for generations, inviting guests to engage with its past while looking forward to future offerings.
Background and Future Outlook
The announcements this week underscore a vibrant period of activity in both sports and consumer sectors. The selection of Sandis Vilmanis for the 2026 Winter Olympics highlights the growing international impact of local athletic development and provides a source of pride for the Charlotte community and the Checkers organization. The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame continues its tradition of honoring those who have significantly shaped the state’s sports history, ensuring their legacies are recognized and celebrated. Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A’s extensive 80th-anniversary celebration is a strategic move to engage customers nationwide with a blend of beloved classics and new, exciting offerings, reinforcing its brand presence and history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about the recent announcements:
When was the Charlotte Checkers player’s Olympic selection announced?
The selection of Charlotte Checkers player Sandis Vilmanis for Latvia’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics was announced on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Who is the Charlotte Checkers player making Latvia’s Olympic roster for 2026?
The Charlotte Checkers player making Latvia’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics is forward Sandis Vilmanis.
Where will the 2026 Winter Olympics take place?
The 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place in Italy from Feb. 6-22.
When was the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame 2026 class announced?
The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame officially revealed its 2026 induction class on Monday, January 5, 2026.
How many inductees are in the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame 2026 class?
The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame 2026 induction class comprises 11 individuals.
When and where is the 2026 North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony?
The 2026 North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Sheraton at Four Seasons Convention Center in Greensboro.
What is the name of Chick-fil-A’s yearlong initiative for its 80th anniversary?
Chick-fil-A’s yearlong initiative for its 80th anniversary is named the “Newstalgia” celebration.
What new menu items are part of Chick-fil-A’s “Newstalgia” campaign?
New Frosted Sodas and Floats have been added to the permanent menu as part of Chick-fil-A’s “Newstalgia” campaign.
How can customers win free Chick-fil-A for a year?
Customers can win a year of free Chick-fil-A through the Golden Fan Cup Sweepstakes, where 3,000 specially marked Gold Fan Cups are mixed in with collectible Classic Cups.
Key Features of Recent Announcements
| Event | Key Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Checkers Player Olympic Selection | Forward Sandis Vilmanis named to Latvia’s 2026 Winter Olympics roster. First active Checkers player to achieve this. Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. | International |
| North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame 2026 Class | 11 new inductees announced, including Tyler Hansbrough, Leonard Hamilton, Kelvin Sampson, and Heather Bergsma. Induction ceremony May 1, 2026, in Greensboro. | State-level |
| Chick-fil-A “Newstalgia” Celebration | Yearlong campaign for 80th anniversary. Features new Frosted Sodas & Floats, retro packaging, collectible cups, Golden Fan Cup Sweepstakes for free Chick-fil-A for a year, and Specialty Plush Cow toys. | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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