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Charlie & Debbie

Charlotte Knights Looking For National Anthem Singers

Author Charlie & Debbie

Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking.  “What does this picture of Taylor Swift have to do with the Charlotte Knights?”  This picture was made on October 25, 2008.  Taylor Swift sang the National Anthem at a World Series Game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies.  The game took place in her hometown of Philly.

Now, here’s the tie-in?  Are you from the Charlotte area?  Are you an aspiring singer?  Well, now’s your chance to be like Taylor Swift as your hometown Charlotte Knights are looking for National Anthem singers for the upcoming season.

In what sounds eerily like a throwback to ‘American Idol’ tryouts. The Charlotte Knights are holding live auditions in a couple of weeks. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 7th at Truist Field in downtown Charlotte.

On a personal note, I cannot have more respect for anyone than I do for those who sing The National Anthem in public-solo.  First and foremost, I cannot sing a note.  Second, it’s only about the hardest song to sing-ever.  And three, there was a moment in my life I thought I was going to HAVE to do this, and I’ve never felt panic like that.

For many years, I did off and on public address work for the Charlotte Checkers.  I had done this for the ‘Augusta Lynx’ years before, but it had been a minute.  So, before my first game, I went for a night of shadowing the everyday public address announcer (Brian Stickley) to reacclimate to the procedures and rhythm.  I’ll never forget these fateful words.  “Charlie, you’ve done this before.  It’s like riding a bike.  Just do everything I do, and you’ll be fine.”  It’s that word, “everything.”  Right as we’re settling in for the game to begin, Brian says, “I’ll be right back.”  I only looked down for a second.  In the next, I look up and The Charlotte Checkers PA Announcer, who just told me I needed to do everything he did, stepped onto the ice and belted out The Star Spangled Banner.  I nearly peed in my pants in fear of the first game I was going to have to work.  He must have sensed this, because the first thing he said when returning to  the booth was, “Oh, don’t worry.  You won’t have to do THAT!”  WHEW!

Major personal crisis averted.

The bad news is that registration for these live auditions to sing The National Anthem for the Charlotte Knights during the 2024 season is now closed.  However, the good news is that if you’re still interest in auditioning, you can do so online here.  Submissions will be screened for additional audition selections.

Good luck!

12 Of The Most Unique MLB Stadium Attractions

Major League Baseball has a deep respect for their game’s rich history. Attending a ballgame can be a great experience that allows fans to marvel at baseball culture. Furthermore, most MLB parks have designed stadium attractions that make them unique amongst the 30 venues in the league.

From museums to bodies of water to fan-zone fun, the MLB stadiums across the country each have something that is representative of their character. Often you will find baseball enthusiasts track how many ballparks they have been to. In addition, it is common for fans to build trips to other cities to have a new MLB park experience.

MLB is the only professional sport in the country where each team has its own dedicated stadium. For example, in the NFL, the Jets and Giants share Metlife Stadium. Many NBA team share their home arena with the NHL team in their city. In professional baseball, each of the 30 teams has their own home field that is theirs alone. This enables the organization to build more character specific to the club.

The interior of an MLB ballpark is all about the players. Though there is a mysterious aura about the clubhouse, given that they are underground. The common thread in modern-day construction is centered around the ballclub. The intent is to make each clubhouse comfortable, hi-tech, and private for the players and coaches. The rest of the stadium is all about the fan experience.

Inside The Park

Here, we will look at some of the most unique MLB stadium attractions. Each is representative of their city and team history. They provide character to the ballpark. In many cases, these features make the park a landmark in their home state.

If you want to take in an MLB game in a ballpark you have not visited yet, here are some attractions to consider.

  • The Pool at Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks

    Behind the outfield wall at Chase Field, there’s a pool area. From here, you can see the entire game. At the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, you can take in a National League West game while going for a swim. The area accommodates 35 people.

    A general view of action between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies during the game at Chase Field Phoenix, Arizona.

    Christian Petersen/Getty Images

  • The Green Monster Seats at Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox

    You surely know all about the infamous Green Monster left field wall at Fenway Park, but did you know you can sit on top of it? There are 269 seats available for Red Sox ticket purchase. This area is a common spot for lucky fans to catch a home run ball.

    A view of the Green Monster at Fenway Park

    Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

  • The Museum at Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees

    Hundreds of signed baseballs by Yankee greats, plagues, and statues are just some of the incredible monuments in the museum at Yankee Stadium. Some of the exhibits rotate, but “Yankees by the numbers” jerseys, World Series rings, and trophies are always on display.

     

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  • McCovey Cove at AT&T Park - San Francisco Giants

    If you want to kayak up against the outfield wall of a picturesque stadium, McCovey Cove in San Francisco is your spot. While its common to see boats overshadowing right field, this is also a common spot for those looking to catch a memorable home run ball.

    McCovey Cove at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California.

    Michael Heiman/Getty Images

  • The Ivy at Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs

    “There’s magic in the ivy and the old scoreboard,” Eddie Vedder sings in his Cubs tribute song “All The Way.” The legendary ivy covering the outfield walls at Wrigley might arguably be the most iconic ballpark look of all.

    Outfielders of the Chicago Cubs chase after during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field The ball was lost in the ivy.

    Brian Kersey/Getty Images

  • The Park at Petco Park - San Diego Padres

    Technically it’s called Gallagher Square, but the Park at Petco Park is located outside the outfield walls but inside the gates of the stadium. You need a ticket on gameday to access this space, which has mini fields and a statue of the late Padres great Tony Gwynn.

     

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  • Touch Tank at Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays

    A tank containing real live stingrays rests within the outfield of the stadium. This is a 35 foot, 10,000 gallon exhibit that is in partnership with the Florida Aquarium.

    Fans gather around the touch tank in Tampa at a Rays game.

    Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

  • The Train at Minute Made Park - Houston Astros

    15-foot-high and 56-foot-long replica of an 1862 steam locomotive goes for a ride each time the Astros hit a home run. Sitting 90 feet above the field, you will hear this train go for a 40 second ride back and forth. This area of the park used to be Union Station, which is why the train was brought in as an attraction in 2000. It is driven by Bobby Dynamite.

  • The Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park - Miami Marlins

    Along the main concourse in center field, there’s the Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park in Miami. This is the home of over 500 bobbleheads that are enclosed behind glass. While many of these are MLB and minor league players, a section includes entertainers and special giveaways the Marlins have done.

    The Bobble Head Museum at Marlins Park in Miami.

    Jason Arnold/Getty Images

  • Bernie Brewer's Slide at American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers

    When the Brewers hit a home run, their mascot Bernie slides down a giant yellow slide out of his outfield treehouse. Fans can take a ride down as well. Tickets are available for purchase for some pre-game fun ($150-$175).

  • The Fountains at Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals

    The city fountains are well represented at the home of the Royals. The fountains in outfield are 322 feet wide. They can change colors and offer a magnificent display. Select 200 level seats near the fountains can be purchased. There are eight programmed fountain shows, where 600 nozzles can launch into 150 combinations of effects.

    A general view of the fountains in the outfield at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

    Jamie Squire/Getty Images

  • The Rockpile at Coors Field - Colorado Rockies

    You can sit high above centerfield in Colorado. The Rockpile offers $4 select tickets. It’s a bleacher style seating, giving you a true Rocky Mountain feel.

    A general view of the Rockpile in center field at Coors field in Colorado.

    Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Charlie Nance is the Afternoon Drive co-host (along with his wife) of "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple have been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame four times. Prior to his time in Charlotte, Charlie (along with Debbie) spent more than a decade hosting successful morning radio shows in Greenville, SC; Augusta, Ga; and Birmingham, Al. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about dream lottery windfalls, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.

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