The Charlotte 49ers and Appalachian State University have entered into a contract to play football during a two-year, home-and-home series in 2018 and 2019.
Charlotte will host the first game of the series at Jerry Richardson Stadium on Sept. 8, 2018. The 49ers will travel to Appalachian State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium on Sept. 7, 2019.
“We are thrilled to make this announcement,” said Judy Rose, UNC Charlotte director of athletics. “Adding a series against an in-state opponent that has the tradition and history of Appalachian State is important to the continued growth of our program. We can’t thank (Appalachian State A.D.) Charlie Cobb and coach (Scott) Satterfield enough. We know our fans have been looking forward to this possibility, and it’s a natural step as both programs transition into FBS play.”
Brad Lambert, head coach of the 49ers, said, “It’s a game that should be played, and I’m glad that we were able to get it on our schedule. We’re excited about the opportunity to play a great program from right here in our region. This will be fun for our fans, and I’m sure they will be excited as well.”
Appalachian State director of athletics Charlie Cobb, stated, “Since Charlotte announced it was beginning a football program several years ago, it has been a priority to try to arrange a series that would be great for our student-athletes and fans. We hope that it is a series that will extend well past this initial two-year arrangement and become a showcase for FBS football in western North Carolina and beyond.”
Mountaineers head coach Scott Satterfield added, “It’s exciting to set up a series with Charlotte. The proximity of our campuses, the similarity of our schools and the familiarity that our student-athletes have with each other from the high-school level make it a natural rivalry. It will be a great series for both schools’ fans and for college football in North Carolina.”
The Charlotte 49ers completed their first-ever football season in 2013. The team will compete as an FCS Independent in 2014 and will begin competition in Conference USA football in 2015 with an opportunity to gain full FBS member status with bowl eligibility in 2016.