Checkers Make First Queen City Outdoor Classic A Historic Win

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – It was the very best night in sports because a town and its teams packed the place.

Over 11,000 people collaborated to break the record for Truist Field attendance. And they did it for hockey.

The Queen City created a classic – the first ever Outdoor Hockey Classic that is.

At the intersection of centerfield and center ice, Charlotte sports history was made in the form of the first minor league outdoor game in the southeastern United States.

“It was great to be in the city of Charlotte under the lights of the city. You really can’t beat it,” said Henry Spence, a fan from Charlotte.

From the blue line to the joyful red alert to the concourse that was filled like an SEC football concession run, excitement-starved sports fans in the Queen City needed the Outdoor Hockey Classic.

“I love Charlotte for coming to this game and showing up like this. I’ve lived here since 2015 and saw the Panthers go to the Super Bowl. This is so great to see so many people go to the stadium again,” said fan Marty McCarthy.

Professional athletes chasing their dreams paused Saturday night to enter a stadium as Knights and leave as Charlotte hockey heroes.

“I feel like everybody in that locker room has worked hard to get those opportunities and it’s a special feeling,” said Checkers coach Geordie Kinnear.

Checkers beat the Rochester Americans 5-2.

A win, a winter wonderland, and an entire record breaking stadium leaving with the feeling: this is our sports city.