CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Uptown Charlotte will be a busy place this weekend as the college football world calls the Queen City home for the highly anticipated matchup between Clemson and Georgia in the Duke's Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium.
As a result, there will be a few street closures around Uptown due to the crowds and events happening associated with the game and ESPN's College GameDay show that will air live Saturday from Romare Bearden Park. Thursday night's game between Appalachian State and East Carolina drew over 36,000 fans and Saturday is going to be a sell-out crowd.
Uptown Charlotte Street Closures
- South Mint Street between Carson Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
- West Stonewall Street between South Mint Street and South Church Street
- Graham Street and Stonewall Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Church Street
These streets will be closed until 2 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5.
In addition to Saturday's game, Duke's Mayo Classic Fanfest includes a Friday night party outside Bank of America Stadium. Friday's event includes a concert featuring Ingrid Andress, Warrick McZeke and Jukebox Rehab. The concert is free and open to the public. Click here for more information about food vendors and event policies.
Saturday Duke's Mayo Classic Saturday Schedule
- 3 p.m.: Fanfest opens
- 5:30 p.m.: Bank of America Stadium gates open
- 7 p.m.: Fanfest alcohol sales end
- 7:30 p.m. Duke's Mayo Classic kickoff
But the real winner of the weekend may be Charlotte’s hospitality industry, as more than 100,000 people are expected to partake in this weekend’s festivities, bringing a boost to businesses, restaurants, bars and hotels.
"So far we’ve done the NASCAR Hall of Fame, that was pretty cool," said UGA fan, Corey Johnson, who is in town from Orlando, F.L. He said this was his first trip to Charlotte.
"I've never been to Charlotte so I'm coming to check out the city," Dena Barrows, who was visiting with her family, "but most importantly, we’re here to cheer on the DAWGS!" she said.
The large crowds however are concerning to some, including Mecklenburg County’s Public Health Director Gibbie Harris. In a news conference, Friday, Harris said she’s concerned visitors won't know about the mask mandate or simply won't follow it.
"There’s no way that crowd is COVID-free," she said.
Event organizers however say the county’s indoor mask mandate will be enforced. Over at the ESPN College GameDay set, WCNC Charlotte was told that 100% of the crew is vaccinated. They also say those crowding into the pit will be asked to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
And for those heading inside the stadium, the city is asking for additional precautions.
"It's very important for fans -- if you come to Charlotte and you're unvaccinated, if you’re in the stands, you should be wearing a mask," City of Charlotte media relations manager Cory Burkarth said.
Contact Ashley Daley at adaley@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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