Football tailgating: What you need to know
Starting two and a half hours before every home game, join the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association at 49er Tailgate Village held at the Hauser Alumni Pavilion.
A ticket includes a full buffet, featuring soft drinks and desserts, and an open beer-and-wine bar. Live music and appearances by the UNC Charlotte Marching Band, dance team and UNC Charlotte mascot, Norm the Niner, will get fans pumped as they welcome the team onto the field. The tailgating experience is family-friendly, with face painters, bounce houses and basketball hoops for children.
“49er Tailgate Village is about fun and fellowship for 49er football fans everywhere,” said Sallie Sistare, executive director of Alumni Affairs. “Tailgating stands out among Niner Nation football traditions as a spirited celebration, and the Alumni Association encourages all alumni and friends of the University to experience it.”
Tailgate Village is a two-hour event that typically takes place prior to the start of each home game. Individual tickets are now on sale for each Tailgate Village. The first will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Aug. 29, prior to the kick off for Charlotte 49ers v. Gardner-Webb University game. Early-bird ticket prices are $30 for adults, $15 for young adults age 13 to 20 and $10 for children age 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.Tickets will be provided when checking in at the Hauser Alumni Pavilion. Fans who purchased season tailgate passes will receive them in the mail. Game tickets are sold separately.
NORM’S VILLAGE
Norm’s Village, outside of Jerry Richardson Stadium at Gate 2, offers fans a premium tailgate experience. Operated by Tailgate Guys, the community offers premium items and services, including bellhop service, turnkey setup and breakdown, high-peak tents and more—for groups as small as five or large-scale groups of 1,000-plus guest. Also offered are options that include coolers with ice, media and TV packages and various catering options to enhance the game-day experience.
Thursday, Aug 29
Home Opener v. Gardner-Webb
7:30 p.m. Kickoff
Saturday, Sept. 14 v. UMass
7:30 p.m. Kickoff
Saturday, Sept. 28 – v. Florida Atlantic
3:30 p.m. Kickoff – Homecoming Game
Saturday, Oct. 26 – v. North Texas
3:30 p.m. Kickoff
Saturday, Nov. 2 – v. Middle Tennessee
3:30 p.m. Kickoff
Saturday, Nov. 23 – v. Marshall
3:30 p.m. Kickoff
LIGHT RAIL
Fans are reminded that the LYNX Blue Line is a great option for game day. With two stops (J.W. Clay and UNC Charlotte Main) convenient to Richardson Stadium, light rail provides a safe and easy way to get to campus without the hassle of traffic and parking. A shuttle runs from the UNC Charlotte Main Station to the stadium on game days, while the J.W. Clay/UNC Charlotte Station is within walking distance of the stadium and tailgating options.
AWAY GAMES: 49ERS ON THE ROAD
This fall, take a road trip or two for 49ers football with the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association and the 49er Athletic Foundation at Appalachian State (Sept. 7) and Clemson University (Sept. 21). Purchase tickets for round-trip bus ride, tailgate (food and beverages) and stadium entrance. Each trip is limited to 50 people. To participate, visit 49eralumni.charlotte.edu or contact Scott Plunkett at ssplunke@uncc.edu or 704-687-7792.