CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Belk Bowl is Tuesday but there is a lot going on ahead of the football game.
The Belk Bowl fan central experience kicked off Monday at the Epicenter.
The main courtyard was filled with bands and cheerleaders for both teams, getting their fans excited for the big game.
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The game between Virginia Tech and Kentucky kicks off at noon Tuesday at Bank of America Stadium and there will be a fan fest starting at 9 a.m. just outside the stadium.
Organizers said they expect more than 40,000 fans at the game.
“The drive was supposed to be six hours, but it took eight with traffic. We’re here now. We’re excited," said Kentucky fan Amy Mitchell, who drove from Lexington.
Virginia Tech and Kentucky fans alike said they loved visiting the Queen City.
That warm Southern welcome is something organizers said makes this event so special year after year.
“The hospitality has been second to none, and it’s just been fantastic,” said Kentucky Head Coach Mark Stoops.
“From the Motor Speedway to the (NASCAR) Hall of Fame, we just had a blast,” said Virginia Tech Head Coach Justin Fuente.
No matter who wins the game, city leaders said Charlotte is the true winner with an economic impact of nearly $29 million last year.
That includes more than $14 million in direct visitor spending, and the city said it is on track to reach or surpass that this year.
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This year will be the last time the department store chain Belk will be the title sponsor of the game. Belk has been the sponsor since 2011.
Officials with the Charlotte Sports Foundation said there’s been a lot of interest expressed by potential new sponsors.
Channel 9 also asked the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department about security for the game.
The department said it can’t provide specifics about security measures, but said, “The Belk Bowl will be properly staffed with a focus on the safety and security of everyone in Charlotte.”
CATS said it is increasing service for the game, operating about every 10 minutes between 10 a.m. and noon.
Peak service starts at noon with trains every 15 minutes and CATS said it will make adjustments depending on crowds.
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