Football Game Shifted Location
A college football game set to take place in Brazil has been relocated. The Week 0 clash between North Carolina State and Virginia will now occur in Charlottesville, Virginia, moving away from its original venue in Rio de Janeiro. This decision was made after thorough discussions with various operational partners and stakeholders involved internationally.
“This change… Athlete Advantage has informed the ACC and the teams that the event cannot be conducted,” stated a press release from North Carolina.
As for when the game might be rescheduled, there hasn’t been a new date or time announced yet. However, both teams are collaborating with the NCAA and ESPN to hold the game on August 29. There’s even a chance to adjust the schedule for the first week of games, though the specific reasons for the change in plans in Brazil remain unclear.
Fans who purchased tickets or travel packages via the official College Football Brazil website will receive refunds. The management of these refunds is in coordination with ticketing and payment processing partners, as noted in the press release. More information regarding tickets for the match at Scott Stadium will be shared soon.
This matchup was initially part of a home-and-home agreement between the teams planned for 2024, but it transformed into an ACC game after the conferences opted for a nine-game schedule.
As the name suggests, College Football Brazil was set to be the first Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) game ever held in South America.
The organization behind the game was founded by Athlete Advantage and Brazil Sports Business, receiving support from Rio de Janeiro State Governor Claudio Castro and the city’s Mayor Eduardo Paes.
Athlete Advantage, known for sports marketing and NIL management, collaborates with universities and athletes alike. However, they haven’t had much success with international soccer matches.
Following a previous loss, sources suggest that Athlete Advantage plans to keep expanding soccer audiences globally, with matches potentially in Mexico City and Italy in the years ahead.
Virginia and North Carolina State have faced off 61 times since their first encounter back in 1904, with NC State leading the series 38 victories to 22 losses and 1 tie. The Wolfpack has won the last four matchups.
The Cavaliers are making a comeback, having reached the ACC Championship and clinched a win in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Meanwhile, North Carolina State concluded its season with an 8-5 record, including a victory against Memphis in the Gasparilla Bowl.
