A freight train delayed the Charlotte Hornets ahead of Wednesday’s qualifier against the Atlanta Hawks.

The State Farm Arena is surrounded by railroad tracks, remnants of a time when there were two major train stations in the area.

Both stations were demolished decades ago, but several lines remain in use for freight traffic near the city center.

A train stopped at a level crossing and blocked the Hornets’s buses on their way to the players’ entrance.

We had to find another way, which caused a delay of about 15 minutes.

“I have been coming here for 20 years. “I have never seen a train block the line before a game,” said Hornets coach James Borrego.

The winners will play in Cleveland on Friday, with eighth place in the East at stake.

The winners of Friday’s match will face the Miami Heat in the first round, starting on Sunday afternoon.