Charlotte, NC, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has commenced a major expansion of the Jerry Richardson Stadium with a $70 million investment. The first phase will increase seating by 3,000, raising capacity from approximately 15,300 to around 18,100 by 2027. Temporary seating for 2,400 will be added for the upcoming season. The expansion will feature luxury amenities, enhanced concession areas, and dedicated spaces for year-round events, aiming to elevate the fan experience and promote college football in Charlotte.
CHARLOTTE, NC – The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has officially broken ground on a significant expansion of the Jerry Richardson Stadium. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 27, 2025. This undertaking is part of an ambitious $70 million investment aimed at enhancing the overall fan experience and increasing the stadium’s capacity.
As part of the first phase of this expansion project, 3,000 new seats will be added, elevating the stadium’s total capacity from approximately 15,300 to around 18,100 by the time the project is expected to be completed for the 2027 season. In the interim, a temporary increase of 2,400 seats is set to be implemented for the upcoming fall season, allowing the total capacity to swell to roughly 17,700 for marquee games.
The new construction will introduce a west-side tower positioned above the existing press box. This tower will feature seven luxury suites, a chancellor’s suite, loge boxes, ledge seats, and an indoor club. Additionally, the expansion will enhance food and beverage options, with new bar and concession areas, as well as outdoor patio spaces for fans to enjoy. There will also be dedicated team dining and conference spaces, allowing the stadium to be used year-round for both athletic and community events.
Key university figures, including Chancellor Sharon Gaber and Athletic Director Mike Hill, have underscored the significance of this expansion for making Charlotte a premier destination for college football and for boosting local pride and community engagement. Funding for the project is derived from a combination of public and private sources, notably including $25 million from the North Carolina General Assembly.
This expansion comes on the heels of the Charlotte 49ers’ recent move into the American Athletic Conference in 2023, fueling excitement and growth for the football program. Last season, five out of six home games reached or exceeded full capacity, demonstrating robust fan support and engagement. Additionally, season tickets for the upcoming season sold out for the first time ever, a clear indication of the rising demand for UNC Charlotte football.
The construction plans aim to minimize disruption during the expansion process. To facilitate this, Gate 2, a primary entrance to the stadium, will close after the initial games of the season, and some tailgating areas will be relocated to accommodate the developments. Furthermore, a potential second phase of the project may see capacity exceeding 20,000 depending on future funding.
As the expansion progresses, Head Coach Tim Albin will begin his tenure alongside these exciting developments, with hopes of improving the team’s performance in line with the stadium improvements. A Charlotte Football Preview Center is set to open at the CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City to showcase the upcoming enhancements.
The first significant game during this expansion will take place against the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on September 6, for which tickets have already sold out, further highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding the program and its future.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Jerry Richardson Stadium expansion?
The expansion aims to increase seating capacity and enhance the overall fan experience with new amenities and facilities.
When is the expansion expected to be completed?
The project is anticipated to be completed by the start of the 2027 season.
What will be the new capacity of the stadium after the expansion?
Once completed, the stadium will have a capacity of approximately 18,100 seats, with additional temporary seating for the upcoming season.
How is the expansion funded?
The expansion is funded through a mixture of public and private dollars, including $25 million from the North Carolina General Assembly.
Will the expansion affect current game-day routines?
Yes, there will be some changes to game-day routines, including the closure of Gate 2 and shifts in tailgating areas to accommodate construction.
What features will be added in the expansion?
The expansion will include luxury suites, new concession areas, outdoor spaces, and facilities for team dining and conferences.
Key Features of the Jerry Richardson Stadium Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Expansion Cost | $70 million |
| Seating Capacity Increase | From 15,300 to approximately 18,100 |
| Temporary Seating for Fall 2025 | 2,400 additional seats, bringing total to 17,700 |
| Luxury Amenities | 7 luxury suites, chancellor’s suite, loge boxes, and indoor club |
| New Concession Areas | Enhanced food and beverage options and outdoor patio spaces |
| Year-Round Usage | Team dining and conference spaces |
| Funding Sources | Public and private funding including $25 million from NC General Assembly |
| Potential Future Capacity | Possibility of exceeding 20,000 in a second phase |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Begins on Jerry Richardson Stadium Expansion
Duke’s Mayo Classic Boosts Charlotte Economy with Thrilling Game
Labor Day Weekend Events in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte’s Concert Lineup Features Major Artists
Charlotte Thrives with Weekend Events and Sports
Charlotte Gears Up for Concerts and Sports Events
Tragic Head-On Collision Claims One Life in Charlotte
FC Cincinnati Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Charlotte FC Match
Charlotte to Host 2027 Military World Games
Chivas de Guadalajara Defeats Charlotte FC in Leagues Cup Shootout
Additional Resources
- Charlotte 49ers – Groundbreaking on Jerry Richardson Stadium Expansion
- Axios – Jerry Richardson Stadium Groundbreaking
- Niner Times – UNC Charlotte Breaks Ground on Stadium Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- QC News – 49ers Hold Groundbreaking for Stadium Expansion
- Google Search: Jerry Richardson Stadium expansion
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
