Charlotte 49ers invest in football identity with $70M stadium project
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UNC Charlotte officially broke ground on its long-planned $70 million expansion of the football stadium, adding 3,000 seats for the growing fan base.
Why it matters: The university views this as the next step in making Charlotte a college football destination, bolstering local pride and putting the 49ers in the national spotlight.
What they're saying: "When we win a big game, people inevitably start to look online, querying, who is UNC Charlotte?" Chancellor Sharon Gaber said Wednesday at a groundbreaking ceremony.
What to expect: Jerry Richardson Stadium's capacity will grow from about 15,300 to 18,100 once the project is completed for the 2027 season.
- Construction will focus on the western side of the stadium, over the existing press box. A new tower will incorporate premium seating, including suites, loge boxes, ledge seating and indoor club spaces, and deck patios.
Between the lines: Construction will progress with "as little interruption to the game day experience as possible," athletics director Mike Hill said.
- The 49ers will continue to play at home, though fans will notice more work zones as the season goes on. (The 49ers frontloaded their home games this season, with three in September.)
- The southern entrance, Gate 2, will close after the first couple of games, and some tailgating spots will move temporarily.
The big picture: The 49ers football program, which joined the American Athletic Conference in 2023, is gaining momentum, with hopes high for new head coach Tim Albin and attendance on the rise. Last season, five of six home games were at or over capacity. And this year, season tickets sold out for the first time ever.
- The groundbreaking also comes ahead of the 49ers' highly anticipated Sept. 6 showdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels, in Bill Belichick's first road game coaching UNC.
- Fans will get a taste of what an expanded, packed Jerry Richardson Stadium feels like at the sold-out game. To meet demand, roughly 2,400 seats are being added, temporarily bumping capacity to around 17,700.
What's next: A potential second phase of the expansion could eventually push capacity beyond 20,000, but for now, the focus remains on phase one.
Go deeper: 5 things to know about Charlotte 49ers new head coach Tim Albin