Overview
The Charlotte 49ers play American Athletic Conference football at Jerry Richardson Stadium — named for the Carolina Panthers founder and Charlotte alumnus — representing one of the newest FBS programs in a major metro market. Launched from scratch in the 2010s, Charlotte's football program is still building tradition in a city long dominated by NFL and college basketball loyalties. The 49ers' modern on-campus stadium and rapid climb to FBS status make them one of the sport's true startup stories.
History & Legacy
An earlier UNC Charlotte football team briefly existed in the late 1940s before folding after the 1948 season. The modern program was reborn in 2013 as an FCS independent, moved to FBS and Conference USA by 2015, and reached bowl eligibility for the first time in 2016 with a trip to the Bahamas Bowl in 2019. Charlotte joined the American Athletic Conference for all sports in 2023 and continues to grow as one of the league's newest football members.
Source: RateGame Editorial
ConferenceAmerican Athletic
Championships0
School Founded1946
Home VenueJerry Richardson Stadium
RivalsAppalachian State (Queen's Cup)
ColorsGreen, White, Black and Gold
MascotNorm the Niner