7-Eleven is celebrating its grand opening of a new store right in the heart of Uptown and the city’s professional sports arenas on Thursday just before the football game between Charlotte Panthers and New Orleans Saints.

Located at 255 West Martin Luther King Blvd., the new store is an urban walk-up model within walking distance of the Panther Stadium, BB&T Baseball Field and the Charlotte Hornets NBA arena.

The event has a tail-gating theme complete with a DJ, free samples from 7-Eleven’s vendors, contests and give-aways. Tailgaters can forget the hassle of food and drinks and stop by to purchase 7-Eleven’s signature Big Bite® hot dogs and small Slurpee® drinks, each for only 25 cents.

The new store is among 7-Eleven’s 113 convenience-store location in the greater Charlotte area. It is currently company-operated but is among the 68 7-Eleven stores available for franchise in the Charlotte market.

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m.

WHERE: 255 West Martin Luther King Blvd.

More information about 7-Eleven franchising opportunities can be found at www.franchise.7-Eleven.com.