Football season in Charlotte is back with Duke’s Mayo Classic

The Tennessee Volunteers will battle the NC State Wolfpack in Uptown on Saturday, Sept. 7.

A packed Bank of America stadium with the Uptown skyline in the background.

The 2023 Duke’s Mayo Classic featured the South Carolina Gamecocks vs. the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium.

Photo via Charlotte Sports Foundation

The wait is almost over. College football season comes roaring back to the Queen City this weekend with a primetime battle. The 2024 Duke’s Mayo Classic between the Tennessee Volunteers and NC State Wolfpack kicks off Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium. Tickets are available + the game will be broadcast on ABC.

College GameDay talent Kirk Herbstreit high-fives fans during College GameDay.

The 2023 Duke’s Mayo Classic match-up between University of South Carolina vs. UNC Chapel Hill drew ESPN’s “College GameDay” to Charlotte to preview the game.

Photo by CLTtoday

Charlotte is a familiar stage for big-time college football match-ups, drawing thousands of visitors and earning the city airtime on the national stage.

In 2023, ESPN’s College GameDay came to town for the game between the Tar Heels and Gamecocks.

Data from the Charlotte Sports Foundation shows sports tourism events like this one brought nearly $80 million.

The Duke's Mayo mascot makes its way onto the field of Bank of America Stadium.

Behold the splendor of Tubby, the Duke’s Mayo mascot

Photo via Charlotte Sports Foundation

Fun fact: The first Duke’s Mayo Classic took place Sept. 3, 2015. The Gamecocks defeated the Tar Heels 17-13 in front of a crowd of 51,000 people.

In addition to the nearly $80 million in economic impact, events hosted by the Charlotte Sports Foundation generated $43 million in direct spending and $2.5 million in taxes for the city. Over 216,000 fans booked 70,000+ hotel rooms for events at Bank of America Stadium and Spectrum Center.

Duke’s Mayo Classic is now a Queen City tradition with no signs of stopping. Mark your calendars. The 2025 Duke’s Mayo Classic will showcase App State vs. UNC Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium on Aug. 28, 2025.

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