How UNC Charlotte became the 49ers
How We Became the 49ers: The Heart of Niner Nation
At the heart of every UNC Charlotte chant — FOR-TY! NI-NERS! — lies a rich story of perseverance, grit and resilience. The “49ers” nickname is more than just a moniker; it is a tribute to the determined spirit that defines the university, and it all began with one pivotal moment in 1949.
UNC Charlotte started in 1946 as the Charlotte Center of the University of North Carolina, one of several centers set up across the state to meet the educational needs of veterans returning from World War II. However, by 1949, the state decided that these centers were no longer necessary and moved to close them. That could have been the end of Charlotte College, but one woman, Bonnie Cone — affectionately known as Miss Bonnie — refused to let that happen.
Bonnie Cone and her supporters knew the city needed public higher education. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the institution was saved, and Charlotte College was officially founded in 1949. It was in honor of this defining year, and the pioneering spirit of Miss Bonnie, that the University eventually adopted the nickname “49ers.”
The connection to 1949 wasn’t the only stroke of luck. In 1965, when the North Carolina Legislature voted to transform Charlotte College into the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the vote tally was 49-0 — fortuitously matching the University’s newly embraced identity. Further cementing the legacy, UNC Charlotte’s campus is located on Highway 49, a fitting tribute to the year that changed everything for the school.
Before 1961, the school played as the “Owls,” reflecting its origins as a night school. However, as the University transitioned to a more traditional college, the student body voted to adopt the “49ers” nickname in 1961. In 1965, the school colors were updated from maroon and gray to the now-familiar green and white, marking a new era for the University.
Since then, the 49ers nickname has become a symbol of tenacity and ambition, values that extend beyond just a name. This spirit is honored in the University’s athletics programs, particularly in football, where a special tradition involves the No. 49 jersey. Each game, the Charlotte 49ers football coaching staff selects a player to wear this jersey, recognizing an athlete who best embodies the team’s spirit and determination.
This tradition began during the inaugural football season in 2013 when defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi became the first to wear the No. 49 jersey. Ogunjobi, who later became the first 49er drafted into the NFL, wore the jersey during the team’s inaugural game against Campbell on Aug. 31, 2013. He went on to be selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, cementing his place in 49ers history. Ogunjobi currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Homecoming has since become an essential part of celebrating the 49ers spirit. What began with basketball in 1969 evolved to include football in 2013, when the 49ers football team took the field for the first time. Every Homecoming weekend, students, alumni, faculty and staff come together to cheer on the 49ers, creating lasting memories while paying homage to the University’s history.
As part of Homecoming’s evolution, UNC Charlotte introduced a new tradition in 2021: The Niner 9. Replacing the historic Homecoming court that traditionally crowned a king and queen, The Niner 9 represents the best of the Charlotte’s spirit and values. These nine students are chosen through a competitive process, representing a variety of backgrounds, talents and academic disciplines. They embody what it means to be a 49er, uniting the campus with their energy and pride.
From this group, one student is honored with the title of Golden Niner — a recognition of leadership and excellence that has replaced the former royal designations. Throughout Homecoming week, the Niner 9 showcase their spirit, and the campus community votes for the most deserving student to earn the Golden Niner title.
As Niner Nation Week: Homecoming continues to grow, it is more than a celebration of school spirit — it’s a testament to UNC Charlotte’s legacy. The 49ers name, steeped in history, represents the resilience and determination that have carried the university from its humble beginnings to its bright future. So, as we chant “FOR-TY! NI-NERS!” at Homecoming and beyond, we honor the past while looking toward an even greater future for Niner Nation.