College football is nearly here. Here's what you need to know about the Charlotte 49ers , Davidson Wildcats and Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls.
Why it matters: Charlotte isn't a college town that lives and breathes football like Clemson or Chapel Hill in the fall, at least not yet.
- But there's still plenty of college football to go around, from a gorgeous campus in University City, to an intimate atmosphere off Lake Norman, to the HBCU experience with the Charlotte skyline as the backdrop.
Editor's note: Schools are listed in alphabetical order.
Charlotte 49ers
Context: Charlotte will play its second season in the American Athletic Conference, which includes in-state rival East Carolina, in the Football Bowl Subdivision — or FBS, which includes schools like Georgia and Clemson.
Catch up quick: Charlotte is preparing for its second season under head coach Biff Poggi . The 49ers went 3-9 last season. Among their new additions is former Florida quarterback Max Brown.
Dates to know:
- Season/home opener: Aug. 31 vs. James Madison at 8pm. Tickets start at $35.
- Homecoming: Nov. 16 vs. South Florida. Time TBD. Tickets start at $35.
- East Carolina: The 49ers host the Pirates on Oct. 5. Time TBD. Tickets for this game will only be available as a part of a season ticket package or season mini-plan, per a 49ers spokesperson. East Carolina will also have an allotment to sell to their fans.
- On the road: The 49ers head to Chapel Hill to face the UNC Tar Heels on Sept. 7 at 3:30pm. Tickets start at $35.
- Full schedule
Tailgating details can be found here and parking details here .
What we're watching: Charlotte is expected to break ground on expanding its football stadium in 2025. The first phase of expansion will include more general seating, plus a state-of-the-art tower with a press box and premium seats.
Go deeper: UNC Board of Governors approves $60M expansion of Charlotte 49ers stadium
Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
Davidson Wildcats
Context: The Wildcats will move into a brand new, privately funded $54.5 million stadium, which the school completed earlier this year. You'll find the 5,000-seat Davidson College Stadium at 109 Patterson Court Circle.
- Davidson plays in the Pioneer Football League in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the second-highest level of college football.
Catch up quick: Davidson went 7-4 last season.
Dates to know:
- Season opener: Aug. 31 at Georgetown at 12:30pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
- Home opener: Sept. 7 vs. Catawba at 7pm. Tickets start at $16.58 for adults and $8.83 for kids.
- Homecoming: Oct. 26 vs. Butler at 1pm. Tickets start around $13 for adults and $6 for kids.
- Full schedule
Parking details can be found here . Tailgating details will become available as the season approaches.
What we're watching: Keep an eye on running back Mari Adams , who has been named to the 2024 Walter Payton Award preseason watch list. The award annually goes to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS football.
Photo: Courtesy of Davidson Athletics
Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls
Context: The Golden Bulls are a Division II HBCU. They play in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), which is based in Charlotte, at Irwin Belk Complex at 500 N Summit Ave.
Catch up quick: 2023 was the program's first winning season in years and it included an appearance in the Florida Beach Bowl. Plus they're adding tailback Quavaris Crouch , a Harding High graduate who had stops at Tennessee and Michigan State before joining the Golden Bulls.
Dates to know:
Tailgating and parking details can be found here .
A game at Eddie McGirt Field includes an impressive skyline view. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
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