From @Kyphi, I received a tweet this weekend:

“…there’s a drive in movie on Tyvola & S.tryon…they’re currently showing Ironman2!!! When did that open???”

After a quick phone call I got the details and headed out.

Following are a few pics but lighting was not the best. I will definitely follow up in the daylight but in the spirit of sharing, here’s the deets:

Name: Charlottes Drive In
Days/Hours: Thurs – Sun 7pm – 1am
Currently Showing:
1st show – Iron Man 2
2nd show – How To Train Your Dragon
Cost: Adults $7, Children: $5
Concessions: Yes, $

Check out their website (under construction) and Twitter account @CLTDriveIn. You can also buy tickets online.

Tips:

I came to the second show so I didn’t get there until 11:15pm. Yesterday (5/8/10) was day two of their opening; per Jason they were still working out a few kinks. I didn’t see any kinks. There is a consession stand, decently stocked. The sound is picked up on 88.1 FM and sounded clear through car speaker. The screen was large and clear, looked standard movie size. The ‘parking’ was to be expected for a drive in; located on the corner of Tyvola & South Tryon, in grass lot in front Morning Storage building. I saw several CMPD officers on duty.

The only suggestion I have is arrive early once awareness builds. I predict heavy summer traffic.

image: Carowinds.com

photo: Melissa Fortune; view this photo on Flickr

Spring of 2010 will herald a dramatic change in the Carowinds skyline as the amusement park debuts the Southeast’s Tallest, Fastest and Longest roller coaster; The Intimidator. In what was the largest single capital investment in Carowinds 37 year history, The Intimidator is the namesake of NASCAR’s most beloved driver, Dale Earnhardt AKA “The Intimidator.” On hand at the press conference, among others were Dale Earnhardt’s eldest son Kerry, grandson Jeffery and several key officials from Dale Earnhardt Inc.

photo: Melissa Fortune; view this photo on Flickr

At completion, this coaster will be a a $23 million investment. Though Carowinds splits its address with North and South Carolina, The Intimidator is being built on the South Carolina “side of the street” and will produce an abundance of benefits to SC, York county in particular. “It’s a win win situation and the fact that it’s in South Carolina, the advantage it gives there is long term property taxes,” said State Senator Wes Hayes.

The Intimidator, at its highest peak, will stand whopping 232ft tall, sending riders plunging down 211ft at a 74 degree angle. This ride will top speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour. Over 5,000 ft of track assist in your riding pleasure including a total of seven steep drops; one for each of Dale’s NASCAR championships. The goal of The Intimidator is to reproduce the experience of an actual Nascar race. “He was a man that enjoyed The Thrill- I mean anything that you have you can get a thrill off of he enjoyed doing it,” said Jeffery Earnhardt, grandson of Dale Earnhardt.

The official Intimidator website has more information, you can also view videos of the ride from multiple angles.

Photos from the launch event below.

photos: Melissa Fortune; view these photos on Flickr

Like chicken ‘n biscuits, so goes the partnership between Charlotte classics like Bojangles and the original Charlotte Coliseum. In November of ’08 Bojangles received unanimous approval for naming rights of the celebrated stadium.

The newly titled Bojangles Coliseum is owned by the City of Charlotte and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Originally opening its doors in 1955, the coliseum was, at the time, the world’s largest unsupported steel dome arena.

Bojangles opened its first restaurant in South End in 1977. Both historic companies influence on Charlotte culture and community was evident by those in attendance at the naming rights reception on April 2.

While I was waxing nostalgic about my 1st concert at the coliseum, CMS’s Vicki Hamilton shared her experience attending an Elvis concert there. Mike Crum, COO, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, also had a few words to say.

“Bojangles Coliseum has always had an old-time atmosphere and tradition that appeals to us all, and we are thrilled that we’ve been able to put these two hometown favorites together.”

The vintage sports and entertainment venue will host notable concerts this year including Fall Out Boy, 3 Doors Down, and John Anderson. Carolina Speed also calls Bojangles Coliseum their home, and the Monster Truck Winter Nationals and TNA Wrestling Show will be rolling through as well. Visit the Bojangles Coliseum website for event schedules.

More pictures from the naming ceremony below.

photos: Melissa Fortune; view these photos on Flickr

Although rain was in the forecast and in the air, the good folks at Carowinds ensured their 2009 Media Preview went off without a hiss hitch. Upon entering via red carpet, guests were welcomed by Steve Hughes & Friends of Wildlife Lectures (some of those ‘friends’ were of the reptilian persuasion) in celebration for this years piece de résistance: the Carolina Cobra. Checking in with an impressive 125 ft lift, 120 ft drop and delivering a 65 degree descent, three inversions, a cobra roll and a 360 degree loop. Just when you begin to catch your breathe- the trip is repeated. Except In reverse. Words can’t describe it. Pictures don’t do it justice.

Video, however, can at least help.

video: SGreene509; watch this video on YouTube

But roller coasters aren’t the only hott ticket on the 2009 Carowinds agenda: music lovers will be delighted with the return of Contemporary Christian music with SonFest 2009 (tobyMac & Third Day) and a Gospel Explosion with JoyFest (Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Tye Tribbett and Smokie Norful).

This seasons opening day paired Carowinds with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to host Ride For Wishes during which Carowinds will granted wishes for Make-A-Wish children with life threatening illnesses by donating the first public ride on the new Carolina Cobra as an auction item for the charity. The bidding started at $50 per seat with 28 seats available for auction.

The park also responds to the economy by introducing a budget friendly New WOW PASS for only 59.99 per person (that’s only $13 more than regular one day admission). No reason for anyone to miss out on the fun!

photos: Melissa Fortune; view these photos on Flickr