September 23, 2015 – The Charlotte Hornets and Queen City Q announced a new sponsorship agreement today in which the local restaurant will become the official and exclusive barbeque of the team. As part of the multi-year agreement, Queen City Q will operate a pair of branded concession stands at Time Warner Cable Arena, one on the lower level and one on the upper level, allowing fans to enjoy some of the area’s best and most popular barbecue while attending events in the building. Queen City Q products will also be featured on the arena’s suite menus.
“We are pleased to partner with an outstanding local restaurant to not just become our official and exclusive barbecue but also to serve its products in our arena,” said Hornets President & COO Fred Whitfield. “Just as many members of our staff enjoy visiting Queen City Q for lunch, we know their presence at Time Warner Cable Arena will help enhance the experience of our fans.”
Additional elements of the partnership include events and appearances by Hugo and the Honey Bees at both of Queen City Q’s locations, the original restaurant less than two blocks from Time Warner Cable Arena and the recently-opened second location in Matthews, North Carolina. Queen City Q also has the ability to utilize Hornets logos and marks for marketing purposes.
“We are very proud of both the dining experience we have created and the company we keep here in Charlotte,” said Queen City Q Managing Partner Bryan Meredith. “Teaming up with the Hornets combines two organizations that focus not only on achieving excellence but also on creating great overall experiences for our guests. We are excited to partner with the Hornets and to serve our barbecue at Time Warner Cable Arena.”
About Hornets Sports & EntertainmentHornets Sports & Entertainment owns the Charlotte Hornets and operates Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable Arena. The Charlotte Hornets are a member of the NBA’s Southeast Division. Owned by NBA Legend Michael Jordan, the Hornets organization strives to deliver a relentless attack on the court, an unmatched experience in the stands and a positive impact throughout the community. The name of the city’s original NBA team from 1988-2002, the Hornets moniker returned to Charlotte in May 2014, uniting the rich history of NBA basketball in the Carolinas. Time Warner Cable Arena is the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Carolinas, hosting over 150 sporting events, concerts and family shows annually. For more information, please visit hornets.com or timewarnercablearena.com.
About Queen City QQueen City Q currently operates two full service restaurant locations, the original on East 6th Street in Uptown Charlotte and a new location in Matthews, North Carolina, and two locations inside Charlotte’s BB&T Ballpark. For more information, visit queencityq.com.
-hornets.com-
For More Information Contact:Mike Cristaldi, Vice President of Communications, 704-688-8866, mcristaldi@hornets.comJosh Rosen, Director of Communications, 704-688-8863, jrosen@hornets.comBryan Meredith, Managing Partner, Queen City Q, 704-877-1316, bryan@queencityq.com