Carowinds reopens Fury 325 roller coaster + Experiencing a Beyoncé concert for the first time

Andrew Nantais
·2 min read
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Hey, everyone! Drew here. It’s Friday Jr.!

CharlotteFive is nearly done with their Readers’ Choice poll to determine the best tacos in all of the Queen City.

We’re down to the top 8 and now, it’s your turn to vote.

This round of voting will close at noon tomorrow.

On to the news.

1. Carowinds reopens Fury 325 roller coaster repairing crack in support pillar

Carowinds Fury 325 has reopened to the public. It had been shut down for repairs since June 30.
Carowinds Fury 325 has reopened to the public. It had been shut down for repairs since June 30.

Fury 325 is back.

Carowinds reopened the roller coaster today after it closed more than a month ago following the discovery of a cracked pillar on the ride.

Catherine Muccisgrosso and Audrey Elsberry report.

2. My first ever Beyoncé concert wasn’t at all what I expected. It was WAY better.

Chyna Blackmon pictured outside of Bank of America Stadium before Beyoncé concert in Charlotte, NC, Aug. 9, 2023.
Chyna Blackmon pictured outside of Bank of America Stadium before Beyoncé concert in Charlotte, NC, Aug. 9, 2023.

In case you were unaware, yesterday was Bey Day in Charlotte as Beyoncé performed at Bank of America Stadium last night.

While I did not go (I had to work, it’s fine. I’m not upset about it at all!) plenty of others got to take in the Renaissance World Tour in the Queen City.

Chyna Blackmon was in attendance and wrote about her experience.

3. A popular drive-in was closed for a decade. Now 3 siblings are reviving parents’ dream

The historic Belmont Drive-In movie theater will reopen soon, now that the business has passed the county health inspection, said owner Melinda Lawing. Seen here is a 1995 file photo of the theater.
The historic Belmont Drive-In movie theater will reopen soon, now that the business has passed the county health inspection, said owner Melinda Lawing. Seen here is a 1995 file photo of the theater.

I love a good drive-in movie theater.

And I’ve got some good news for you fellow drive-in fans out there. The Belmont Drive-In in Gaston County just off Interstate 85 is set to reopen soon.

Audrey Elsberry has more info on when you can catch a flick.

4. Camaro racing down Charlotte street crashes, killing teen on way home from work

A 17-year-old was killed after a collision with a speeding Camaro.
A 17-year-old was killed after a collision with a speeding Camaro.

A 17-year-old boy was killed in Charlotte on his way home from work when two men decided to race on a street near his neighborhood.

Ivan Morales Galvez was trying to make a left turn at the intersection of Bramblewood and Arrowood Road, close to South Tryon Street near Olde Whitehall when he was struck by a car driving more than 100 miles per hour, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.

Kallie Cox shares the latest on this story.

5. Some more stories to read

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Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.
Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer.