Charlotte, September 3, 2025
News Summary
UNC Charlotte has commenced a $70 million expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium, adding 3,000 seats and increasing capacity to 18,100. Scheduled for completion before the 2027 football season, this project addresses the rising attendance and supports the growing Charlotte 49ers football program. Chancellor Sharon Gaber emphasized the importance of football for the university’s visibility. With record-setting ticket sales and an increase in the fanbase, the expansion represents a significant step in enhancing the college’s athletic presence.
Charlotte
UNC Charlotte has officially broken ground on a $70 million expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium. The project will enhance the stadium by adding 3,000 seats, increasing its capacity from approximately 15,300 to 18,100. The expansion aims to accommodate the growing fan base and bolster the university’s presence in college football.
Chancellor Sharon Gaber highlighted that success in football is crucial for raising awareness of UNC Charlotte as an academic institution. The expansion is set to be completed in time for the 2027 football season, positioning the university to capitalize on its increasing momentum within collegiate athletics.
Athletics director Mike Hill announced that construction will proceed with minimal disruption during game days to ensure fan experience remains a priority. The expansion comes at a critical time, as the Charlotte 49ers football program joined the American Athletic Conference in 2023 and witnessed substantial growth in attendance figures, with five out of six home games last season drawing crowds at or over capacity.
This season has already seen unprecedented demand in ticket sales, with season tickets selling out for the first time in the program’s history. The expansion may include a potential second phase that could further increase the stadium capacity beyond 20,000 seats.
In anticipation of the upcoming home game against the North Carolina Tar Heels, temporary bleachers have been added to accommodate approximately 17,800 fans. Ticket prices for this highly anticipated matchup start at $133 on various platforms.
Newly appointed head coach Tim Albin remains optimistic about the team’s performance, despite facing challenges in their opening game against Appalachian State. He emphasized the passion of the fanbase and the importance of improving the team’s performance in upcoming games.
The team’s starting quarterback, UNC transfer Conner Harrell, faced a tough debut but is looking to turn things around against North Carolina. Performance metrics indicate that the 49ers need to improve on penalties and first-down conversions, which hindered their efforts in the previous game. Coach Albin stated the focus will be on maintaining offensive rhythm and minimizing penalties to ensure competitiveness.
Project Timeline and Features
The expansion project is designed to enhance game day experiences while meeting the needs of an expanding fanbase. The anticipated completion by the 2027 football season signals a commitment to growing the sport’s presence at UNC Charlotte.
Background of the 49ers Football Program
Founded in 2013, the Charlotte 49ers football program has rapidly developed a strong following and competitive edge within college athletics. As they join the American Athletic Conference, the program is poised for further growth in both performance and fan engagement.
Attendance Growth
- Last season, five out of six home games were either at or over stadium capacity.
- Record-setting demand has resulted in the first-ever sell-out of season tickets.
- The addition of temporary bleachers reflects the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming game.
Future of the Program
The proposed second phase of the expansion would potentially elevate the stadium’s capacity beyond 20,000, a move indicative of the program’s growth aspirations. As attendance figures climb, the Charlotte 49ers football team is positioned to enhance its visibility and relevance in collegiate sports.
Conclusion
The ground-breaking ceremony marks a pivotal step forward for UNC Charlotte as it seeks to solidify its place in college football and cater to an enthusiastic fanbase. With ongoing enhancements to its facilities and a growing commitment to athletic performance, the university aims to set new standards in collegiate athletics.
FAQ
What is the cost of the expansion project for Jerry Richardson Stadium?
The expansion project for Jerry Richardson Stadium will cost approximately $70 million.
How many seats will be added to the stadium?
The project will add 3,000 seats, raising the total capacity from around 15,300 to 18,100.
When will the expansion be completed?
The expansion is scheduled to be completed by the 2027 football season.
What is the current attendance trend for Charlotte 49ers games?
Last season, five of the six home games were at or over capacity, and for the current season, season tickets sold out for the first time.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expansion Cost | $70 million |
| New Seating Capacity | 18,100 seats |
| Completion Date | 2027 football season |
| Current Attendance Record | 5 out of 6 home games last season at or over capacity |
| Upcoming Game Capacity | Approximately 17,800 with temporary seating |
| Ticket Prices for Next Game | Starting at $133 |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte 49ers News
- Wikipedia: College Football
- Axios Charlotte
- Google Search: Charlotte 49ers
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Scholar: Charlotte 49ers Football
- QC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte 49ers
- Tar Heels Wire
- Google News: Charlotte 49ers Football
Author: HERE Charlotte
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