What was Charlotte like 20 years ago? Comparing 1996 Charlotte to today
Charlotte is constantly evolving and adapting as new transplants move in and cranes dot the skyline.
In the matter of a few decades a fairly sleepy Southern community has become a world-class city in the blink of an eye. Even just 20 years ago Charlotte looked vastly different than it did today. Don’t believe me? Here’s a quick comparison of Charlotte in 1996 as opposed to 2016.
Buckle up and try to suppress the nostalgia as much as possible.
*Cue the “Macarena”*
Sports
– 2016: Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers bring Bank of America Stadium to life eight weeks a year with their dominant and balanced style of play.
And the new version of the Charlotte Hornets, led by Kemba Walker, made the 2016 NBA Playoffs before losing in the first round.
– 1996: Muggsy Bogues may not be big in the literal sense but the 5’3 guard and his team of fellow Hornets were well on their way to a 50 win season, packing out The Coliseum on a nightly basis.
Meanwhile, the 1996 Panthers went 12-4 in their second season and went on to lose to the Packers in the NFC Championship Game. The roster included guys like Kerry Collins, Muhsin Muhammad, Wesley Walls, Sam Mills and Kevin Greene.
Nightlife
– 2016: Breweries have taken the city by storm over the past several years and it’s not uncommon to see large crowds packing into these establishments in the early afternoon as well as the evening.
– 1996: Bar Charlotte was only a year old but at the time no other nightlife establishment had invigorated uptown with late night partying to that extent before. Reports of bubble parties, glow sticks, and Jell-O wrestling cannot be confirmed (or likely remembered).
Local hot button political issue
– 2016: Bathrooms. The Charlotte City Council passed a new nondiscrimination ordinance that, among other things, allowed transgender people to choose which bathroom they use based on their gender identity. The state legislature then passed and Gov. Pat McCrory signed House Bill 2, which nullified the Charlotte ordinance, among other things.
– 1996: While the Rusty Goode Freeway section of I-485 was nearing completion and would largely shape the interstate moving forward, the true hot button issue at the time was the production of “Angels in America” at the Charlotte Repertory Theater. The play featured nudity and a story that openly discussed AIDS and homosexuality, which upset some residents and politicians. The Charlotte mayor at the time suggested that the play be “toned down.” That mayor was Pat McCrory.
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory grimaces as water is squirted on his face during a photo shoot with local chefs for the promotional materials of Charlotte’s Fifth Annual Taste of the Nation fundraiser back in 2000.
Outdoor fun
– 2016: The U.S. National Whitewater Center has had some amoeba-related issues recently, but still has become the premier location in Charlotte for active fun. From trails to rapids to bars stocked with local brews, the whitewater center has something for everyone.
– 1996: Carowinds. More specifically, the Vortex and the Cyclone, the two coasters that daring riders would seek out for their many loops. And Thunder Road was still open back then. Stopping by Stan Mikita’s Diner on the way out for an overpriced but well-deserved burger was a must.
[Related: The definitive* ranking of Carowinds’ roller coasters.]
Biggest water cooler complaint
– 2016: Traffic and construction have caused many an ulcer in Charlotte these days.
– 1996: Traffic and constructions caused many a … Oh. I guess some things never change.
Photos: Charlotte Observer file photos.
This story was originally published August 29, 2016 at 10:38 PM with the headline "What was Charlotte like 20 years ago? Comparing 1996 Charlotte to today."