Charlotte
- Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park was recently reflagged as Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park. The 297-room property completed a $10 million makeover to all guest rooms and public space last December. The hotel has 15,000 square feet of meeting space and is located near Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Interstate 77.
- A 230-room Embassy Suites is slated for completion in late 2016. The property will be located across the street from Charlotte Convention Center and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
- At press time, construction was expected to begin shortly on a 200,000-square-foot, dual-brand Marriott venture at the uptown entertainment destination known as EpiCentre. The 20-story hotel tower will comprise an upscale, 182-room AC Hotel and a 120-room Residence Inn.
- In late 2014, Starwood completed the second phase of its $20 million project to convert the two towers of the former Blake Hotel. As part of the first phase, the 305-room Sheraton Charlotte Hotel opened in August 2013. Le Meridien Charlotte now occupies the other tower with 300 guest rooms. Altogether, the uptown property offers 55,000 square feet of meeting space. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a pool bar.
- BB&T Ballpark opened in Uptown Charlotte in April 2014. The LEED-certified, eight-acre ballpark is the new home of Minor League Baseball’s Charlotte Knights. The 10,000-seat ballpark is located four blocks from the Charlotte Convention Center. The new attraction is available for private rentals and offers 4,800 square feet of entertainment space, a full bar and luxury viewing suites.
Cabarrus County
- SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium opened in Concord in February 2014. The 36,000-square-foot aquarium is home to more than 5,000 aquatic creatures, including those indigenous to North Carolina and exotic specimens from around the world. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15 or more. The facility can be rented for special events.