Charlotte 49ers turn to ‘Blackout' against FSU Seminoles

Charlotte 49ers will wear black Dec. 22 when they face Florida State on the basketball court at Time Warner Arena.

“My sophomore year, when we had the Blackout at Time Warner Arena and we beat Tennessee. That was pretty exciting,” said senior shooting guard Colby Lewis.

“They were ranked seventh at the time. That was the big win. And I think playing down there at Time Warner brings a little more excitement to it too.”

The game, scheduled to air on the CBS Network, is Charlotte’s first time playing a Blackout in Uptown since the Tennessee win. Charlotte coach Alan Major, whose team it now 11-1, says this year’s Blackout is coming at the right time.

“To have this at this time of the year, the holiday time, and kids not to have to worry about finals or academics is great.

“It’s a time when local students will still give us a chance to have a good turnout. It will give them a chance to come out...”

Out of the four previous Blackout games, Saturday’s will be only the second one held Uptown. Overall, the team is 2-2 in Blackout games and 2-1 in games at Time Warner.

“It’s a normal game. You have to go out there and execute and give a 100 percent effort. But I think it brings a little more excitement. You still have the same preparation that goes into the game, but it brings a little more excitement. You get to wear a special jersey, and its only for that one time that year. It gets you a little more pumped up to play,” Lewis said.

“It’s also more exciting this year. When you’re winning, you get more fans out, school supports you a little more, and more students are there. You get more of the community that is willing to come out since we are winning.”

Though it is nonconference, the game will have a conference feel.

It’s current record, coupled with a win against an ACC team, could help the 49er’s break into the top 25.

Whatever the outcome, there is only one overall goal for this year’s team.

“The main goal this year is to make it to post season. I want to play in the NCAA tournament. We have a good group of guys that work hard everyday. And hopefully we can achieve that,” said Lewis.