News Summary
The Charlotte Knights held a special ‘Tribute To Charlotte Sports’ event, featuring sports icons Larry Johnson and Jonathan Stewart. The celebration drew large crowds, highlighting Johnson’s historic career with the Hornets and Stewart’s achievements with the Panthers. Fans enjoyed autograph sessions, limited-edition giveaways, and concluded the night with fireworks, showcasing community spirit and appreciation for local sports history.
Charlotte – The Charlotte Knights welcomed fans on Friday night for a special “Tribute To Charlotte Sports” promotion featuring former sports legends Larry Johnson and Jonathan Stewart. The event highlighted the achievements of these two local sports icons, drawing enthusiastic crowds to the ballpark.
During the event, Johnson, a former All-Star forward for the Charlotte Hornets, engaged with fans by signing autographs and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The crowd warmly received his presence, which marked a rare public appearance in Charlotte since his last visit in 2018. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft, Johnson began his professional career with the Hornets and quickly established himself as a fan favorite. In his rookie season, he was named the league’s Rookie of the Year and made his first All-Star team during the 1992-93 season. Johnson further demonstrated his talent by earning second-team All-NBA honors in his second season.
After a successful tenure in Charlotte, where he played until the end of the 1995-96 season, Johnson was traded to the New York Knicks. Since his departure, he has not participated in many public events in Charlotte, which adds to the significance of his return during Friday’s tribute. He reflected on his past missed opportunities, expressing regret over not being present for the Hornets’ 30th Anniversary celebrations.
Also featured at the tribute was Jonathan Stewart, who was a first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2008. Stewart played a decade with the Panthers and became the franchise’s all-time rushing leader, amassing 7,318 rushing yards and 51 rushing touchdowns. His contributions were pivotal to the Panthers’ success, especially during their reaching the 2015 NFC Championship, marking a significant milestone in his career. Stewart shared his nostalgia regarding the camaraderie of being part of the team, particularly missing the locker room and travel experiences he cherished throughout his time with the Panthers.
Attendees at the game were treated to various promotions, including a limited-edition Knights Hockey Jersey giveaway, adding an extra element of excitement to the event. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks show, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere for fans and families alike.
The Knights’ homestand runs from Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20, with a variety of activities designed to engage the community. Events during this homestand feature not only sports legends but also live music and family-friendly entertainment. Notably, Saturday’s lineup included Faith and Family Night, highlighted by a post-game concert by the Christian music duo Caleb & John. Additionally, Sunday continued the festivities with a “Christmas in July” theme, offering a Knights Nutcracker Giveaway to the first 1,500 fans in attendance.
Looking ahead, the Knights have planned exciting events for the following weeks, including Princess Day Part 2 on August 17, ensuring ongoing engagement with their supporters and local community.
The celebration of Charlotte’s sports history through events like “Tribute To Charlotte Sports” not only honors local legends but also fosters community spirit, bringing fans together in appreciation of the city’s rich athletic legacy.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Larry Johnson Revisits Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Larry Johnson (basketball)
- WCNC: Window to the Weekend – Charlotte Knights
- Google Search: Charlotte Knights
- Wikipedia: Jonathan Stewart
- Google News: Charlotte Hornets
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Carolina Panthers
- Google Search: NFC Championship
Author: HERE Charlotte
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