Renovations won’t stop the game day experience for UNC vs. Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Charlotte 49ers are in the middle of one of their biggest renovations to Jerry Richardson Stadium, but it won’t stop fans from taking in the big game on Saturday against the North Carolina Tar Heels. 

“I’m ready to see everybody’s energy. I want everybody coming strong, especially since it’s our second game. I need everybody to be there, especially the players. I need them to win this out because they have got to be right. We need to be tight,” said Charlotte sophomore Payton Glenn.

49ers students say the energy around campus this week has been electric, and they’re ready for Saturday night’s game against NFL legend Bill Belichick and the UNC Tar Heels.

Charlotte Executive Associate Athletic Director Scott Byrd says the demand shows that fans are excited for the game and the season.

“We’ve added 2,400 seats to accommodate this demand tomorrow, with the hills coming to town. So, yeah, this is a great way to kick off the first home game in the Tim Albin era,” Byrd said. 

Renovations began just over a week ago and are expected to be completed by Spring 2027.   

The expansion will increase future fan capacity to more than 18,000 with premium seating, including suites, ledge viewing, and an indoor club.

That excites junior Destiny Lester.

“I saw them post on Instagram, and they look pretty good. So, I was like, okay, this is my first time in a bigger stadium. So, I feel like it’s definitely going to be different for sure, and since it’s such a big rivalry too,” Lester said. 

“Our fans coming to the game now will not see really any changes in the game day experience. We will close after tomorrow’s gate two. So otherwise, but we’ve expanded gate three. So really you shouldn’t see any interruptions during the 2025 and 2026 season,” Byrd said. 

He ensured there would also be plenty of parking for the nearly sold-out game set to kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday night. He says there will be additional visitor spaces available for those with game day parking passes.

“Everybody’s been outside more, everybody’s been more energy. I think we’re all excited for this big event. Like, the first couple of weeks can be a little rough getting used to everything, but everybody’s excited, too. All my friends are going. We’re all just going to have a good time,” said Charlotte freshman Joshua Williams. 

Pregame activities begin at 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, including an appearance from former 49er baseball player and country singer Chris Lane.

And some members of Niner Nation are feeling more confident about their team going into the big game.

“Last week against App State, the first game, a little jitters. I think the guys are going to shake back, everybody’s going to be on one accord, and it’s going down. Right. We’ve got a chip on our shoulder. Bill Belichick, you not messing with us, buddy? Get out of here,” Charlotte student David Lamartiniere said. 

Officials say there are still tickets available for the game.