In the South, it’s never too early to talk about football, which is why N.C.-based department store Belk made a big college football announcement this week.
The chain says it will be the title sponsor of the 2015 Belk College Kickoff Game, featuring the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. The game is set to take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sept. 3 with a 6 p.m. kickoff.
"College football is at the heart of Southern lifestyle and Belk is excited to partner with the Charlotte Sports Foundation as the title sponsor of the Belk College Kickoff Game," said Jon Pollack, Belk executive vice president, sales promotion, marketing and eCommerce. "The Belk College Kickoff Game is a great opportunity to engage fans and customers in the Southeast, as well as celebrate and support the Charlotte community."
For the second time in three years, the Tar Heels and Gamecocks face each other in an ESPN marquee matchup of ACC and SEC teams. The Tar Heels and Gamecocks have faced off 52 times with UNC holding a 34-18 advantage. The teams last met in Columbia, South Carolina, with South Carolina picking up a 27-10 victory.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with Belk to bring top level college football games to Charlotte," said Will Webb, executive director of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. "We can't wait for the Tar Heels and Gamecocks to take the field, and their fans to experience our great city."
Belk also serves as the title sponsor of the Belk Bowl, which is hosted in Charlotte and features teams from the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference facing off as part of college football's bowl season. The first opportunity to buy the best seats for both games begins Monday, May 12 at 10 a.m. with the Belk Pigskin Package. The 2-pack guarantees fans the same seats for the Belk College Kickoff Game and Belk Bowl and starts at just $119.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. (www.belk.com) is the nation's largest family owned and operated department store company with 297 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states and a growing digital presence.