Charlotte Hounds Kicking Off 2014 Season

It's a busy time across the city for Charlotte professional sports, with the Bobcats competing in the NBA playoffs for just the second time in franchise history, and the Knights opening their new Uptown ballpark a couple of weeks ago. Now, it's the Charlotte Hounds' turn to take center field, which means if you're a local sports fan, you should give our Major League Lacrosse team your undivided attention. Likely still under the radar to some who didn't realize Charlotte has an MLL team, the Hounds are beginning their third season this Saturday, April 26.

Credit: facebook.com/charlottehounds

I remember blogging about the announcement in 2011 that Charlotte was getting an MLL franchise. Now, the team plays a 14-game regular season schedule, one game a week, usually on Saturdays but also a couple of Friday games. The Hounds play home games at American Legion Memorial Stadium, just outside of Uptown, and they open the season at home this Saturday at 7 p.m. against the Ohio Machine. Expectations are high for the Hounds in 2014 because they made it to the MLL championship game last season, eventually losing by one point to the defending champions, Chesapeake Bayhawks.

Credit: twitter.com/CharlotteMLL

Tickets to home games range from $12.50 to $42.50. And new this season, about half of the Hounds' games--some home, some away--are scheduled to air on FOX Sports Regional Networks, including this Saturday's season opener. You can show your support for the team on social media using the hashtag #ReleasetheHounds (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram). Visit charlottehounds.com.