Nestled in University City, Charlotte, North Carolina, Jerry Richardson Stadium stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of the Charlotte 49ers football team. Representing the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), the stadium, complete with its 15,000-seat capacity, has been the home field for the 49ers since their inaugural 2013 season. Designed for future growth, the facility can be expanded to accommodate up to 40,000 spectators.
The stadium not only provides a sporting hub for the local community, but it also offers a variety of seating options for fans. From general admission behind the northwest goalpost, to club seating, loge boxes, hospitality suites, and an outdoor terrace, the Jerry Richardson Stadium caters to fans seeking a diverse range of experiences while supporting their beloved 49ers. Enhancing this atmosphere is the ever-evolving vision for the stadium’s expansion, aiming to bring upgraded fan experiences and increased accessibility to 49ers games.
History of Jerry Richardson Stadium
Establishment
Jerry Richardson Stadium, a 15,000-seat facility in University City, Charlotte, North Carolina, was built as the home field for the Charlotte 49ers football team, representing the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte). The stadium was designed to be expandable to 40,000 seats to accommodate the growing popularity of the football program.
The primary builder for the stadium and football center was Rodgers PCL Russell, a joint venture of Rodgers Builders, PCL Construction, and H.J. Russell & Company. On April 28, 2011, UNC Charlotte held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new football stadium.
Major Events
The stadium had its inaugural season in 2013 when the 49ers football team took the field for the first time. Since then, the stadium has been an integral part of the Charlotte 49ers sports program and campus culture.
In recent years, Charlotte athletics unveiled the EverGreen Athletics Facilities Master Vision, a 12-15 year plan detailing the future developments for all 49ers campus facilities. It includes the first expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium, a design already underway for a new softball clubhouse, and recently completed upgrades to the football locker room.
Charlotte 49ers at the Jerry Richardson Stadium
Jerry Richardson Stadium is a 15,000-seat facility that is the home of the UNC Charlotte 49ers football team. The stadium, which is expandable up to 40,000 seats, first opened its doors in 2013 for the inaugural season of the 49ers football program.
Famous Games
Since its opening, Jerry Richardson Stadium has played host to numerous exciting and memorable games for the Charlotte 49ers. As the team continues to grow and develop, so too does the list of outstanding moments that have taken place within this stadium’s walls.
Players to Watch
Throughout the years, the Charlotte 49ers football team has produced several outstanding players who have gained recognition both regionally and nationally. As the team continues to evolve, fans eagerly look forward to the arrival of new talent to join the ranks of noteworthy players who have called Jerry Richardson Stadium home.
Stadium Features
Seating and Capacity
Jerry Richardson Stadium has a seating capacity of 15,314. The design of the stadium allows for future expansion, with the possibility to accommodate up to 40,000 seats should the need arise. Boosting the fan experience, the stadium plans to offer club seating, loge boxes, hospitality suites, an outdoor terrace, and mezzanine club in future expansions.
Facilities
The stadium is home to the Judy Rose Football Center, which houses the Charlotte 49ers football program. The playing field has been named McColl-Richardson Field in honor of Hugh McColl, former CEO of Bank of America, and Jerry Richardson, former owner of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. The main video scoreboard is located in the stadium, providing fans with a clear view of the ongoing action. Jerry Richardson Stadium is part of the Charlotte 49ers athletics program and the team is a member of the American Athletic Conference. The playing surface is made of FieldTurf, ensuring a quality playing experience for athletes.
Community Involvement
Local Partnerships
The Jerry Richardson Stadium, home of the Charlotte 49ers, is actively involved in creating and maintaining strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations. These partnerships aim to promote the development of the community while also supporting the athletic programs at the stadium.
Some examples include:
- Collaborations with nearby schools to create educational opportunities and support youth sports initiatives
- Joint events with neighboring businesses to foster economic growth
- Engagement with government and civic organizations to improve neighborhood infrastructure and resources
Charitable Activities
In addition to local partnerships, the Jerry Richardson Stadium is committed to giving back to the wider Charlotte community through various charitable activities:
- Fundraising events: The stadium frequently participates in and organizes events to raise funds for local charities and non-profit organizations.
- Community outreach: Members of the Charlotte 49ers team, along with their coaching staff, often visit local hospitals, schools, and community centers, providing inspiration and support to those in need.
- Volunteer opportunities: The stadium hosts numerous volunteer events and initiatives, allowing fans and supporters to contribute their time and talents to make a difference.
Future of Jerry Richardson Stadium
The future of Jerry Richardson Stadium, home of the Charlotte 49ers, looks promising as the university reveals plans for significant expansions and upgrades. The EverGreen Athletics Facilities Master Vision projects a 12-15 year timeline for improvements across all 49ers campus facilities. The current focus is on Phase I, which has a budget of $102 million and includes the first expansion of the stadium, a new softball clubhouse, and recently completed upgrades to the football locker room.
As the Charlotte 49ers prepare to join the American Athletic Conference (AAC), the university’s board of trustees has approved $750,000 for advance planning on expanding their stadium. The current seating capacity of Jerry Richardson Stadium is 15,314, so this expansion aims to accommodate the growing fan base and elevate the 49ers’ facility to meet the standards of their conference rivals.
The stadium, initially opened in 2013, features a playing field named McColl-Richardson Field, after Hugh McColl, former CEO of Bank of America, and Jerry Richardson, then-owner of the National Football League’s Carolina Panthers. The future developments are designed by Jenkins-Peer, the same Charlotte-based firm responsible for the initial construction of the stadium and other campus facilities.
This ambitious plan showcases the university’s commitment to the growth of their athletic programs and ensuring that the stadium remains a state-of-the-art facility for the Charlotte 49ers and their loyal fan base.
