The Charlotte 49ers have scheduled a home-and-home series with James Madison University (JMU), beginning this coming season. Charlotte will play at JMU on Saturday, Sept. 21; game time is 6 p.m. The Dukes will play a return trip to Charlotte on Oct. 25, 2014. The games will replace the home-and home series originally scheduled with Old Dominion University (ODU).
Last week, ODU canceled its 2014 trip to Charlotte. The 49ers, in turn, opted out of the trip to Norfolk, Va., the same week.
“ODU was made aware that we planned to cancel the 2013 game within days of receiving their letter canceling our 2014 home game,” said Judy Rose, director of athletics. “While it is true that there were discussions in the fall of 2012 about canceling this series, ODU was opposed, so we chose to honor the original agreement. When ODU sought to take advantage of an opportunity with Vanderbilt, however, and cancel their trip to Charlotte, we saw it in our best interest to cancel what had become, in effect, a one-and-done road game. We chose not to make a statement until after Conference USA Media Day out of respect for the commissioner and the league.
“As for James Madison, we are thrilled to be able to add a team of their caliber to our schedule. We were fortunate that the openings on the schedules worked out to be able to add a home-and home series in 2013 and 2014 with a program that has won a national championship,” said Rose
The schedule change completes the 49ers’ 2013 slate with six home games and five road games.
Charlotte will open its season against Campbell University on Saturday, Aug. 31.
A limited number of FSLs are available for purchase; call the 49ers Athletic Ticket Office at 704-687-4949.