History will be made in the Queen City come 2027, when Wake Forest and Notre Dame butt heads in the Duke's Mayo Classic. The Charlotte Sports Foundation made the announcement today, setting the stage for a match-up that eluded fans in 2020 due to COVID-19 disruptions. With hopes high and pandemic worries in the rearview, the organizers are ready to deliver a much-anticipated gridiron battle at Bank of America Stadium, a detail which the QC News was among the first to report.
Slated for October 9, the Demon Deacons and the Fighting Irish will bring a significant economic and energetic boost to the city. Speaking to this impact, the Charlotte Sports Foundation's CEO, Will Pitts, highlighted the importance of the event, saying, "Hosting a game of this caliber reinforces Charlotte’s place on the national stage for college football," according to a statement obtained by WCNC. This planned classic isn't merely a game; it's a community catalyst.
The 2027 Duke’s Mayo Classic will honor a scheduling agreement with the ACC, and mark Wake Forest's return to Bank of America Stadium since their last appearance in 2021. The match will serve as a homecoming of sorts for Wake Forest as well, showcasing their expansive alumni network in the area. John Currie, Wake’s vice president and athletic director, captured the sentiment, expressing, "With our campus just 82 miles from Bank of America Stadium, the 2027 Duke’s Mayo Classic against Notre Dame is a tremendous opportunity to elevate Wake Forest’s presence and celebrate with incredible alumni, fans, and partners across the region," as he told the Charlotte Observer.
Interest is already spiking among fans eager to score their seats for this electrifying showdown. Although ticket launch details remain under wraps, enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up for updates and exclusive presales on the Duke's Mayo Classic website. With a lineup that includes other high-octane matchups set for the coming years – such as the University of Tennessee versus West Virginia University in 2028 – the foundation of the series as a prime sporting event has been emphasized by the Charlotte Sports Foundation, deepens the city’s reputation too, as a premier destination. Meanwhile, the immediate future brings Appalachian State toe-to-toe with the Charlotte 49ers on August 29 of this year, a tasty appetizer for the football feasts to follow, as reported by QC News.
