CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A slightly chilly Friday December night in the Queen City of Charlotte, but it was a festive one at the annual Carowinds Winterfest. Sprinkled among the holiday lights and the many crowds were Old Dominion University fans, staff members and their families who enjoyed the night out.
"Its been amazing", says ODU student Cheyenne Sanders. "It's really cold, but we're here for the Monarchs.
For some like Natasha Lucas, it's a rare special family time. Her husband, Tony Lucas is the running backs coach for the Monarchs.
"The quality time is there", she says. "Even better, he can ride the rides with our daughter and I'll hold the stuff", she joked.
As for the ODU football team who faces Western Kentucky on Monday in the Famous Toastery Bowl, they had an evening break to attend an NBA game as the Hornets hosted the Pelicans.
"Being able to even just go to an NBA game, a lot of people don't get to experience it", says Monarch wide receiver Reymello Murphy. "Even some of my teammates say this is their first NBA game."
Back to football though come Saturday.