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Stephen Ward: Now that 49ers football is underway, let's take a look back at a timeline of
events leading up to this inaugural season. Narrator: Charlotte 49ers Football Timeline
2006: Dr. Philip L. Dubois installed as UNC Charlotte's fourth Chancellor. The Charlotte
Football Initiative is formed. The grassroots group hopes to bring football to the 49ers.
The Board of Trustees authorizes the study of football. March 2007: Chancellor Dubois
appoints the Football Feasibility Committee chaired by former Board of Trustees Chair,
Mac Everett. 2008: the Football Feasibility Committee unanimously recommends the addition
of football. The March to the End Zone Pep Rally was held by the 49ers student body.
Phil Dubois: My recommendation to the Board of Trustees is that you authorize UNC Charlotte
to apply for entry into the Football Championship Subdivision, that is Division I AA of the NCAA
with the goal of playing our first full season of football competition in the fall of 2013.
All in favor of moving forward with the Chancellor's recommendation with the caveats
and benchmarks and updated reporting that we've discussed, please say "aye."
Aye. Any apposed? Hearing none, the motion
passes. Narrator: 2009: DLR Group and Jenkins Peer
Architects presents the initial renderings of the football stadium. The Board of Trustees
unanimously approves the funding plan. 2010: the Board of Governors unanimously approves
the funding plan. The legislature approves the Capital Project Bill. Governor Bev Perdue
signs the Non-appropriated Capital Project Bill.
Judy Rose: And now, we can firmly say, yes the Charlotte 49ers will play football in
2013. It's a done deal. [ringing of bell]
Narrator: The 49ers schedule their inaugural home game versus Campbell for August 31,
2013. 2011: Judy Rose: And with extreme pleasure introduce
the Charlotte 49ers Head Coach, Mr. Brad Lambert. [applause]
Narrator: Over 3,000 fans celebrate the groundbreaking for the 49ers football stadium. The 49ers
announce the naming of McColl-Richardson Field for banking pioneer Hugh McColl and Carolina
Panthers owner, Jerry Richardson. 2012: the 49ers signed the first freshmen class of 27
players. Phil Dubois: Today we officially announce
that we accept the invitation and join Conference USA in all sports starting in 2013 with our
first season of football commencing in the league in 2015.
Narrator: Head Coach Brad Lambert unveils the 49ers white helmet design. In a surprise
announcement, Dale Halton, who purchased naming rights to the Field House and Chancellor Dubois
named the Judy W. Rose Football Center for the current longtime athletic director. The
49ers first team reports to campus. The first workout session for the 49ers on the practice
fields takes place. The first practice is scheduled following approximately three weeks
of conditioning workouts. The fall finale is hosted as the 49ers hold the last practice
of the fall campaign. 2013: two twelve foot tall statues commissioned by Irwin Belk and
sculpted by Jon Hair are installed at opposite ends of the 49ers football stadium. The 49ers
signed 20 student athletes in their second recruiting class. The 49ers first spring game
takes place in front of a crowd of nearly 14,000. The 49ers unveil complete home and
away uniforms at the annual Great Gold Rush Auction.
Phil Dubois: When we open fall competition against Campbell University on August 31st
we will play on McColl-Richardson Field in Jerry Richardson Stadium.
Narrator: The 49ers and IMG College partner with WCCB Charlotte to televise home football
games. Brad Lambert participates in Conference USA Media Day. The 49ers begin fall practice.
August 31, 2013: the Inaugural Season kicks off.
Crowd: Forty-Niners! Forty-Niners! Forty-Niners! Forty-Niners!