Charlotte 49ers’ 2018 football schedule stocked with bowl teams, including a mountain power

The Charlotte 49ers will have home-field advantage as it opens the 2018 football season, playing their first three games at Richardson Stadium.

The 12-game schedule announced Tuesday has the 49ers playing eight games against bowl teams from the 2017 season.

Perhaps the highlight of the home schedule will come Sept. 8, when Charlotte faces Appalachian State for the first time. That game against the Mountaineers, who have won three consecutive bowls, is expected to attract a full house, much as the 49ers’ game against N.C. A&T did last September.

All four nonconference opponents are new to the Charlotte schedule. In addition to Appalachian State, the 49ers also will face FCS member Fordham at Richardson Stadium. Their nonconference games will be against FBS independent Massachusetts and Tennessee of the SEC.

Charlotte, trying to rebound from a 1-11 season, opens the 2018 campaign Sept. 1 at Richardson Stadium against Fordham. Home games against the Mountaineers of the Sun Belt and Conference USA foe Old Dominion will follow.

The back end of the 49ers’ schedule is heavy with road games. Charlotte plays at home only once in November.

Charlotte’s eight bowl teams on the schedule are Appalachian State, Ala.-Birmingham, Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee, Southern Mississippi, Marshall, Florida International and reigning Conference USA champion Florida Atlantic.

49ers officials said game times will be announced later. They also said some game dates might change because of television commitments. That would include games being moved to Thursday or Friday nights.

For ticket information, call 704-687-4949 or check www.charlotte49ers.com.

This story was originally published January 23, 2018 at 2:41 PM with the headline "Charlotte 49ers’ 2018 football schedule stocked with bowl teams, including a mountain power."