For me, I am looking forward to UNC Charlotte's inaugural football game. I grew up in an area where Friday nights in the Fall was reserved for high school football. It was just a matter of which one to attend. Of course as a typical teenager, I did not pay that much attention to the game as I did making sure I was sitting as far away from my parents as possible but nevertheless I never missed a game. My high school did not have an award winning record or a star player who headlined the paper every Saturday morning; however football the school and community together. Football games created numerous memories for me. Those memories range from Homecoming to Senior Night! My undergraduate alma mater did not have a football team which at first I did not think was going to be a big deal since I preferred basketball over football…but in the end it was. I guess you can say that I missed the "RUSH" from being in a football stadium. I would hear from my friends at other colleges about how they were excited and preparing for Homecoming. I never had that experience during my 4 years in undergrad. To be honest, every year I would attend my hometown's university homecoming instead. So I am definitely looking forward to the 49ers team. Unfortunately, I will be a graduate by the time 2013 rolls around but I am still thrilled.
Last week, I attended UNC Charlotte's Executive Speaker Series at the Ritz Carlton Charlotte. The speaker for the evening was Judy Rose, Director of Athletics at UNC Charlotte. During her speech, she showed the attendees pictures of the stadium and discussed some of the events that led to the creation of UNC Charlotte's football team. It was interesting to learn the numerous marketing strategies developed and research conducted in order for the University to make this announcement a couple of months ago. I will agree with a comment that Judy did made on Wednesday. "For the next 6-7 years, UNC Charlotte will be everyone's homecoming game." But WHO CARES. WE WILL HAVE FOOTBALL!! It is only natural that the team will be the butt of jokes and sportscaster commentary prior to the inaugural game; but it is a part of being the "new kids on the block."
A Football team would bring a level of an engagement to UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte community. I know I am looking forward to tailgating and wearing Green and Gold. What about you?
Have a nice week.
No comments:
Post a Comment