October 20, 2026 | Football
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina and App State will renew their regional rivalry on a prominent stage in the Queen City, meeting in the 2029 Duke's Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. the Charlotte Sports Foundation and both institutions announced Tuesday.
"We're thrilled to welcome East Carolina and App State back to Charlotte in 2029," Will Pitts, CEO of the Charlotte Sports Foundation said. "When they come together in the Queen City, the energy is electric. This game is a celebration of North Carolina college football and we can't wait to see both sides fill Bank of America Stadium".
The contest is scheduled for Sept. 1, 2029, bringing two of North Carolina's most recognizable collegiate football programs together in Charlotte, the state's largest city and a major destination for alumni, fans and supporters of both universities. Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers, will serve as the backdrop for the early-season matchup.
"Both football programs have a rich history of success and outstanding fan support," ECU Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert said. "We are excited for our future football student-athletes who will have an opportunity to play in such an exceptional NFL venue as Bank of America Stadium."
The Pirates have enjoyed considerable success in Charlotte, winning three of six contests played at Bank of America Stadium. East Carolina's history at the venue began with a 50-29 victory over NC State in 1996. ECU has averaged 53,774 fans per game in Charlotte, highlighted by a then-state college record crowd of 72,169 for the Pirates' victory over No. 17 Virginia Tech in 2008.
Located in the western portion of the state, Charlotte represents an important geographic hub for East Carolina, connecting the Pirates with a substantial alumni and fan base across the Piedmont region and beyond. The Charlotte metropolitan area and surrounding communities also provide valuable opportunities for ECU to strengthen its regional presence, engage with Pirate Club supporters and recruit prospective student-athletes.
"The opportunity to compete in Charlotte provides an outstanding setting for our program and our supporters," Gilbert added. "The matchup represents an opportunity for Pirate fans throughout the state to gather in one of North Carolina's premier sports destinations and support East Carolina on a prominent regional stage."
The 2029 contest will mark the second meeting between East Carolina and App State in Charlotte, following their season-opening matchup in 2020. The neutral-site setting will bring together two programs with strong North Carolina ties and passionate fan bases, adding another chapter to their in-state football history.
The game is the third announced opponent on ECU's 2029 football schedule. The Pirates are also scheduled to host Old Dominion on Sept. 15 and Liberty on Sept. 22.
Additional information regarding the 2029 Duke's Mayo Classic, including ticket availability, will be announced at a later date.
"We're thrilled to welcome East Carolina and App State back to Charlotte in 2029," Will Pitts, CEO of the Charlotte Sports Foundation said. "When they come together in the Queen City, the energy is electric. This game is a celebration of North Carolina college football and we can't wait to see both sides fill Bank of America Stadium".
The contest is scheduled for Sept. 1, 2029, bringing two of North Carolina's most recognizable collegiate football programs together in Charlotte, the state's largest city and a major destination for alumni, fans and supporters of both universities. Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers, will serve as the backdrop for the early-season matchup.
"Both football programs have a rich history of success and outstanding fan support," ECU Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert said. "We are excited for our future football student-athletes who will have an opportunity to play in such an exceptional NFL venue as Bank of America Stadium."
The Pirates have enjoyed considerable success in Charlotte, winning three of six contests played at Bank of America Stadium. East Carolina's history at the venue began with a 50-29 victory over NC State in 1996. ECU has averaged 53,774 fans per game in Charlotte, highlighted by a then-state college record crowd of 72,169 for the Pirates' victory over No. 17 Virginia Tech in 2008.
Located in the western portion of the state, Charlotte represents an important geographic hub for East Carolina, connecting the Pirates with a substantial alumni and fan base across the Piedmont region and beyond. The Charlotte metropolitan area and surrounding communities also provide valuable opportunities for ECU to strengthen its regional presence, engage with Pirate Club supporters and recruit prospective student-athletes.
"The opportunity to compete in Charlotte provides an outstanding setting for our program and our supporters," Gilbert added. "The matchup represents an opportunity for Pirate fans throughout the state to gather in one of North Carolina's premier sports destinations and support East Carolina on a prominent regional stage."
The 2029 contest will mark the second meeting between East Carolina and App State in Charlotte, following their season-opening matchup in 2020. The neutral-site setting will bring together two programs with strong North Carolina ties and passionate fan bases, adding another chapter to their in-state football history.
The game is the third announced opponent on ECU's 2029 football schedule. The Pirates are also scheduled to host Old Dominion on Sept. 15 and Liberty on Sept. 22.
Additional information regarding the 2029 Duke's Mayo Classic, including ticket availability, will be announced at a later date.
Thursday, October 29
Monday, October 26
Wednesday, October 21
Monday, October 19
