Here’s a list of bars & restaurants to watch UNC Charlotte football all season

When I was a student at UNC Charlotte, I rarely missed a football game — tailgate and all.

Now the 49ers, under new head coach Tim Albin, are gearing up for a Friday showdown with Appalachian State at Bank of America Stadium. A week later, they’ll face UNC — led by none other than Bill Belichick — in Charlotte, and I’m already counting down the days until kickoff.

If you’re unable to make it to Jerry Richardson Stadium on gamedays, there are plenty of spots around the Queen City packed with fellow Niner fans, cold beer and plenty of big screens.

Here are some places in Charlotte where you can catch some Niner football this season.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

Location: 9605 N Tryon St A, Charlotte, NC 28262

A short drive away from Charlotte’s campus is Flying Saucer, known for its UFO Club, where you can sample 200 beers to join the coveted “Ring of Honor,” which includes your name displayed on a plate mounted on the restaurant’s wall. With dozens of rotating taps and plenty of TVs, fans can enjoy a wide selection of craft beers while cheering on the 49ers.

Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar and Ribs

Location: 9005 J M Keynes Dr #2, Charlotte, NC 28262

Boardwalk Billy’s, just a short drive away from Richardson Stadium, offers a lively bar atmosphere, plenty of craft beers and scenic lakeside patio views. The restaurant has even hosted themed events with special promotions, such as their “Ultimate Football Platter,” with nachos, fresh-baked soft pretzels, loaded cheese fries, wings and smoked sausages.

Clutch Kitchen & Pour House

Location: 601 S Cedar St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Clutch Kitchen celebrated Niner Nights in July with a visit from head coach Tim Albin and plenty of free food, showing its support for the Green and White. Grab one of over 15 local beers on tap and enjoy scratch-made favorites like burgers, wings, and pretzels while unwinding on their roomy, dog-friendly patio.

NoDa Brewing Company

Location: 150 W 32nd St, Charlotte, NC 28206

The UNC Charlotte Alumni Association has often turned to NoDa Brewing Company for its watch parties, drawing large groups of 49ers fans to cheer on the team together. The brewery pours an ever-changing selection of small-batch beers, and the atmosphere is rounded out by a rotating lineup of local food trucks serving everything from tacos to barbecue.

Picasso’s Sports Cafe

Location: 230 E W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262

Picasso’s is a great spot to watch UNC Charlotte football thanks to its ample TVs showing every game, a solid lineup of cold beer (including local brews) and crowd-pleasing bites like wings and pizza rolls, all just minutes from campus.

Vaulted Oak Brewing

Location: 3726 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205

Vaulted Oak is a great place to watch UNC Charlotte football, not only because the owners are proud alumni, but also for the craft beer brewed on-site, including crisp lagers and hop-forward IPAs, and the lineup of local food trucks. With plenty of screens and a lively atmosphere, it’s a natural gathering spot for 49ers fans.

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.