Photo: Approximately 2,400 seats will be added in the east concourse above the student section, bringing total capacity to around 17,700. | Photo Credit: UNC
By Lindsey Coulter
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has broken ground on the first phase of a $70 million expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium, a project that will add 20,000 square feet and increase stadium capacity by about 20%.
RMF Engineering is leading MEP engineering for the project, with Barton Malow serving as construction manager. McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture is the lead designer in collaboration with SLAM. Completion is expected in spring 2027.
“This project is a statement about who we are and where we are headed. It reflects the momentum we are building in academics, research and athletics,” Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber said at the groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 27. “And it signals a new era for Charlotte football. Charlotte is ready to compete — and to win — on every stage.”
The expansion includes construction of a new tower above the existing press box. The tower will feature a training room for athletes, a new press box for broadcasters, and premium seating options such as seven luxury suites, loge boxes, ledge seating, an indoor private club and a terrace.
On game days, the tower will provide fans with state-of-the-art amenities. On non-game days, those areas will convert into team meeting and dining space. The facility also will allow student-athletes year-round dining access and enable Charlotte Athletics to host additional community events.
Approximately 2,400 seats will be added in the east concourse above the student section, bringing total capacity to around 17,700. The expansion is projected to generate nearly $2 million annually, more than doubling the university’s ticket revenue.
Interest in Charlotte football is surging. Head coach Tim Albin’s inaugural season and a six-game home schedule contributed to record demand for 2025, with the program selling out season tickets for the first time. Renewal rates among existing season ticket holders also reached an all-time high.
“What an incredible day for Charlotte Athletics, for our University and our community,” athletics director Mike Hill said. “The response to our expansion plan has been nothing short of tremendous. Now, this plan begins to take shape. Over the next two seasons, with as little interruption to the game-day experience as possible, our team will be hard at work delivering something truly special.”
While Richardson Stadium’s capacity will not be impacted during construction, university officials anticipate some modifications to the game-day experience.