Entertainment

How early should fans arrive at BoA Stadium for Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte?

Fans watch during South Carolina’s game against North Carolina at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in December 2021.
Fans watch during South Carolina’s game against North Carolina at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in December 2021.

The countdown is on for the battle of the Carolinas at the 2023 Duke’s Mayo Classic.

Gamecock and Tar Heel football fans from across the region will come to Charlotte during Labor Day weekend to watch the University of South Carolina face off against the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

USC and UNC will play on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Bank of America Stadium. While the game isn’t until that evening, fans from both Carolinas will be out near the stadium hours beforehand.

Here’s what to know if you plan to go.

What time does the game start? How early can fans arrive?

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. but gates at the stadium will open at 5:30 p.m. for fans to take their seats.

If you’d like to enjoy game day even earlier, the Charlotte Sports Foundation is planning a full day of activities.

Duke’s Mayo Classic game day events

ESPN’s College GameDay

When: 9:00 a.m.

Where: Romare Bearden Park, 300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202

What to expect: ESPN’s College GameDay Built by The Home Depot will kick off the 2023 college football season with a live three-hour show. Host Rece Davis will be joined by analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee along with college football insider Pete Thamel and reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims.

ESPN broadcasters Desmond Howard, Chris Fowler, Mark Sanchez, Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit on the College Gameday set at the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. in Jan. 2023.
ESPN broadcasters Desmond Howard, Chris Fowler, Mark Sanchez, Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit on the College Gameday set at the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. in Jan. 2023. Kirby Lee USA TODAY Sports

Duke’s Mayo Classic FanFest

When: 12 p.m.

Where: Outside of Bank of America Stadium, 800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202

What to expect: This year’s FanFest event will feature food trucks, activities, music performed by DJ Mayo and more.

Both events are free and open to the public. You can find more information about the Duke’s Mayo Classic here.

Related Stories from Charlotte Observer
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER