EVENT NEWS

WHEN: Thursday, September 27

3pm: Carnival
         (Queens student event only)
           
4pm: Dedication event (Charlotte 
         community members welcome)

5pm: Hotdog Tailgate Cookout
           
6pm: Royals Women’s Soccer Game vs. 
         Armstrong Atlantic University 
         (Charlotte community members 
         welcome)

WHO:  Dr. Pamela Davies, Queens president
           Jon Hair, sculptor
           Queens faculty, staff and students

WHAT: Queens University of Charlotte will unveil “Rex,” the world’s largest standing lion sculpture, to the Queens and Charlotte communities during a special dedication ceremony. “Rex” is the nickname that was given by Queens students in 1988 to represent the University’s lion mascot.

A gift from Queens benefactor Irwin Belk, “Rex” was designed by Sculptor Jon Hair of Jon Hair Studio of Fine Art L.L.C. in Cornelius, N.C. After completing a five-day journey across the United States, the sculpture was installed at the entrance to Queens’ sports complex on August 23. Lifted by crane onto a 12-foot brick pedestal constructed by Rodgers Builders, Queens’ new “Rex” stands an impressive 27 feet in the air and measures 26 feet in length.

A fall carnival will be held during the event for Queens’ students to enjoy. Students will have the opportunity to feast on hotdogs, participate in intramural competitions and various carnival games. Following the ceremony, attendees may cheer the women’s soccer team, one of Queens’ 16 NCAA Division II teams, to victory as they compete against Armstrong Atlantic University on the Championship Field.

WHERE: Queens Sports Complex at Marion Diehl Park, 2219 Tyvola Road, Charlotte, N.C.

DIRECTIONS: From I-77, take exit 5 (Tyvola Road, East). Cross South Boulevard, Seacroft Road and Wedgewood Drive intersections. After Wedgewood, The Queens Sports Complex will be on the left in Marion Diehl Park. There is no left turn, please pass the park and find a safe place to turn around. Once you have turned around, the Queen Sports Complex will be on the right side at 2219 Tyvola Rd.


CONTACT: The dedication event is free and open to the public. Tickets to the soccer game are $5 general admission, click here for more information. Parking is available at the Sports Complex. For more information, please contact Jenny Matz at 704 337-2404.