For the first time in school history North Carolina will host a Thursday night football game.
And all it took was discussions among Athletics Director Dick Baddour Chancellor Holden Thorp other faculty leaders" officials from UNC Hospitals — and the ACC.
An Oct. 22 game against Florida State highlights a Tar Heels schedule that includes another Thursday night game only a week later and seven home games at Kenan Stadium.
""The fans and student body have been a huge part of creating a great game day atmosphere" and I'm thrilled we will play seven times at Kenan Stadium for the second straight year coach Butch Davis said in a UNC Athletics release.
I know our fans players" and staff are excited about the opportunity to host the first Thursday night game against an outstanding Florida State team.""
UNC has not played Florida State in Chapel Hill since a 37-0 loss in 2003.
Only seven days after this year's matchup" UNC travels to Virginia Tech for another prime-time game the first time the Tar Heels have been featured in back-to-back slots.
In past years the Athletics department has resisted Thursday night games because of the strain the crowds would put on the campus and the town Baddour said.
This time" he thinks they've figured it all out.
""The ACC also worked with us to select a game on the Thursday of Fall Break" thus there are no classes that day or the following day" Baddour said.
In working with University officials, he said they will be able to minimize the effect on UNC services.
Plus, he said the benefits and exposure of a Thursday game help outweigh any inconveniences.
It's the college version of Monday Night Football — it is the only show in town"" and football fans across the nation are watching.""
2009 UNC Football schedule:
Sept. 5 vs. The Citadel
Sept. 12 at Connecticut
Sept. 19 vs. East Carolina
Sept. 26 at Georgia Tech
Oct. 3 vs. Virginia
Oct. 10 vs. Georgia Southern
Oct. 17 — Open date
Oct. 22 (Thurs.) vs. Florida State (ESPN)
Oct. 29 (Thurs.) at Virginia Tech (ESPN)
Nov. 7 vs. Duke
Nov. 14 vs. Miami
Nov. 21 at Boston College
Nov. 28 at NC State
Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.
