#1 Moment: Opening Knights Castle

During the final year in Knights Stadium history, the Knights Media Relations department has asked fans to submit the best moment in the stadium's 24-year history. Through the team's official website and social media outlets, the Knights received many great moments. On Friday, August 16, the Knights released Moment #10 in Knights Stadium history, presented by Strayer University. The final nine moments are being released during the final nine games in Knights Stadium history, beginning with the game on Saturday, August 17.

In 1989, the Charlotte Knights moved to Fort Mill, SC. It was a big move for a franchise that spent their time in Charlotte as the O's (1976-1987) and as the Knights (1988). 

As the team left Charlotte and spent the 1989 season in Fort Mill, there was a lot of hope for their new home across the North Carolina/South Carolina border. The team officially broke ground on Knights Castle on February 20, 1989. After playing for a full year in a temporary facility in Fort Mill while their crown jewel was being built - Knights Castle officially opened on April 14, 1990. 

Fans came out to that first game to see the new Knights - and of course, the state-of-the-art new stadium. The 1990 Knights were the Double-A Southern League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Tommy Helms was the manager, and the team featured catcher Rick Wilkins, slugger Richie Grayum - who hit the first Knights home run at Knights Stadium, veteran Chico Walker, and Knights Stadium fan-favorite, Rusty Crockett. Jim Bullinger, Frank Castillo, Chuck Mount, and Heathcliff Slocumb were solid pitchers for the team in 1990.

The Knights were set to play the Orland Sun Rays (Twins) on that glorious Opening Day at Knights Stadium. And, while they tried, the game was later postponed due to rain. It was, however, made up as part of a doubleheader on April 15. Even so, the fact that the Knights opened their new home on April 14, 1990, ranks as the #1 Moment in Knights Stadium history, presented by Strayer University. 

In closing, we hope that the Top 10 moments in Knights Stadium history brought back many memories to you and your family. We thank you for attending Knights games over the years and hope that you enjoyed our look back at Knights Stadium. In all, the Knights provided many more wonderful memories to fans over the 24 years at Knights Stadium -- and one more year at the temporary facility. Fort Mill, SC was the Knights home for a combined 25 years and it will forever be a part of the franchise's history.