April 10, 2011
UNC Charlotte celebrated another milestone in the process of adding football to its existing athletic programs. Niner Nation packed the house at the official groundbreaking ceremony for the 49ers’ new football stadium.
More than 3,000 students, faculty, staff, athletes and supporters joined Head Football Coach Brad Lambert, Chancellor Dr. Philip Dubois, Athletic Director Judy Rose, local architect Jenkins•Peer Architects, stadium designer DLR Group and the project’s construction manager Rodgers Builders for the official groundbreaking on April 28th.
The 49ers will take to the field for the first time on August 31, 2013, against Campbell University.
“As designers, our goal has been to establish a campus game-day experience for UNC Charlotte students, alumni and 49ers fans,” said Jenkins•Peer project manager Dan Van Dyke, AIA. “We’re all proud to be part of bringing the tradition and excitement of college football to the UNC Charlotte campus, and we’re looking forward to cheering on our hometown team.”
Upon completion in 2013, the new stadium will boast 15,000 seats. The stadium’s design allows for additions to grow with the program, with expansion to 25,000 and 40,000 seats. Full build-out of 40,000 seats allows for enhanced spectator amenities, premium seating, hospitality, and university functions found in premier stadiums.
Training facilities at the stadium complex include two natural turf fields and a 45,000-sf field house located in the stadium’s south end zone. The facility includes team locker rooms, sports medicine, strength training, meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, academic spaces and other support activities. A large terrace for hospitality events overlooks the football field.
About the Design Team
Since 1978, Jenkins•Peer Architects has been active throughout the Carolinas, offering planning and architectural services that support higher education and campus life, science and research, libraries, cultural arts, light industrial, office, mixed-use and multifamily housing developments.
Based in Overland Park, Kansas, DLR Group is an interdisciplinary design firm with a reputation for delivering highly successful sports facilities nationwide. Their portfolio includes award-winning collegiate, municipal and franchise sports facilities designed to promote an exceptional game day experience for players and fans.