Charlotte NC, October 16, 2025
News Summary
UNC Charlotte football is set to enhance its game-day experience with a $70 million renovation at Jerry Richardson Stadium, starting August 27. The project will increase seating capacity to 18,170 and introduce new premium amenities for fans. With strong community support and excitement, the renovations reflect the ongoing progress of the Charlotte 49ers program under new leadership. A second phase is planned to further boost seating, while single-game tickets for upcoming games will be available soon.
Charlotte, NC – UNC Charlotte football is preparing for its annual Homecoming event this week while simultaneously gearing up for significant improvements to its home facility. A $70 million renovation project at Jerry Richardson Stadium is set to commence on August 27, marking a significant milestone for the Charlotte 49ers athletic program.
The renovation aims to enhance the overall game-day experience by adding premium seating options and increasing the stadium’s capacity to 18,170 seats for 49ers games. Athletics Director Mike Hill has noted a tremendous response regarding the expansion plans, indicating strong community support and excitement.
In April 2024, the UNC Board of Governors approved $60 million for the project’s first phase, paving the way for a new west-side tower that will feature suites, boxes, and club spaces for fans. The construction is designed to minimize disruption, allowing games to continue at the stadium, although there will be altered gate access due to the renovations. Specifically, Gate 2 will be closed, and some fans will be required to park in new tailgate areas.
Current ticket holders will not see any changes due to the construction, and students will benefit from new facilities, including dining halls and meeting rooms within the new tower. Both sides of the stadium will see the addition of indoor clubs with outdoor decks, providing improved views for fans attending games.
Under the leadership of new head coach Tim Albin, ticket sales have surged, particularly among first-time buyers, reflecting the growing interest in the program. The renovations underscore the progress made since the team became a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) member in 2013, highlighting its evolution and commitment to providing a better fan experience.
Plans are in place for a second phase of renovations that aim to further increase the stadium’s capacity to 21,000 seats. The upcoming season for the Charlotte 49ers will kick off on August 29, 2025, against Appalachian State at Bank of America Stadium as part of the Duke’s Mayo Classic.
To engage fans and showcase the new seating options, the Charlotte Football Preview Center is expected to open downtown this summer. Single-game tickets for the Appalachian State game will be available for purchase on July 8, with early access for the 49er Club on July 7. Access to the anticipated North Carolina game on September 6 will necessitate season tickets or a flex plan, due to high demand.
Charlotte has established itself as a city with a vibrant professional sports scene, hosting six teams across various sports. This includes the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, who will start their season in September, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets with 41 home games from October to April, and Charlotte FC competing in the MLS with nearly 36,000 fans last season.
Furthermore, the Charlotte Knights play Triple-A baseball, hosting 70 home games from April to September, while the Charlotte Checkers return to AHL action with home games from October to April. The city also sees the inaugural season of Carolina Ascent FC, its first professional women’s soccer club, and the Charlotte Independence, maintaining an active soccer presence since 2014. Additionally, the Premier Lacrosse League has assigned Carolina Chaos to Charlotte, with games scheduled for June 6 and 7, and Anthem Rugby Carolina joined Major League Rugby in early 2024 to play home matches at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
FAQ
- What is the cost of the renovation project at Jerry Richardson Stadium?
- $70 million.
- When will construction for the stadium renovation begin?
- August 27.
- What is the planned capacity for the stadium after renovations?
- 18,170 seats.
- Will current ticket holders be affected by the construction?
- No, existing ticket holders will not be affected.
- When is the opening game for the Charlotte 49ers?
- August 29, 2025, against Appalachian State at Bank of America Stadium.
- What are the dates for single-game ticket sales for the App State game?
- Single-game tickets will go on sale on July 8, with early access for the 49er Club on July 7.
Key Features of Renovation Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $70 million |
| Start Date | August 27 |
| New Capacity | 18,170 seats |
| New West-side Tower | Featuring suites, boxes, and club spaces |
| Fan Amenities | Indoor clubs with outdoor decks |
| Season Start | August 29, 2025, against App State |
| Single-game Ticket Sale | Available on July 8 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Football Hosts Homecoming Game Against Temple
Charlotte Weekend Events to Energize the Community
ISE Upgrades Athletic Facilities in Charlotte, NC
UNC Charlotte Hosts Tailgate Ahead of Rivalry Game
UNC Charlotte Homecoming Week Brings Festive Activities
Great Britain Women’s Flag Football Team Prepares for Olympic Debut
Rico Dowdle Leads Panthers to Victory Over Cowboys
Charlotte’s Weekend Fall Events Bring Community Together
Charlotte Royals Cross Country Challenge Set for October
Weekend Events in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- WCCB Charlotte: Top Sporting Events Around Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Charlotte 49ers
- Charlotte Observer: Charlotte Checkers News
- Google Search: Charlotte Checkers
- QC News: Charlotte Checkers Calder Cup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte Panthers
- Country 1037 FM: UNC Charlotte Stadium Expansion
- Google News: UNC Charlotte Football
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.
