The NC State-UNC football game, "in a break from
tradition that surprised many," will be played Saturday at
Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte and earn each school $1M,
according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER.
Officials from both schools "have stressed the game will
provide additional exposure for their football programs in
the western part of the state while creating a festive, bowl-
like atmosphere." Charlotte Regional Sports Commission Exec
Dir Chip Mark said Monday that 71,000 of the 73,250 tickets
had been sold, including almost all of the $8 student
tickets, and attendance is expected to set a record for a
college football game in the state. The Charlotte Convention
and Visitors Bureau "estimates" that the game could generate
"more than" $2M for the local economy based on financial
figures from Panthers games. Next year's game in Charlotte,
will be televised by ESPN, is expected to "pump" more money
into the economy as more fans "line up hotel stays." But the
Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau "has pegged"
next year's potential loss at "about" $1.3M for what was
scheduled to be NC State's home game against UNC. The Wake
County Commissioners have sent a letter to the chancellors of
the two universities "expressing concern about the precedent
established in moving games" (NEWS & OBSERVER, 11/24).
