Baseball

UNC Charlotte to play Appalachian State in first baseball game at new Kannapolis ballpark

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — The Charlotte 49ers will have the honor of playing the first-ever baseball game in the new state-of-the-art Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis next week.

The 49ers will take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers in a Division I, non-conference match up on March 23 at 6 p.m. — almost a year from the date of when the original first pitch was scheduled.

Before the pandemic forced the cancellation of the baseball season in 2020, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers planned to open the $52 million sports and entertainment venue on April 16 last year.

Despite the Cannon Ballers season being canceled, the ballpark was able to open as a city park last spring, and quickly became a popular destination in Kannapolis for visitors eager to enjoy the outdoors and ballpark amenities safely.

“We can’t wait to officially host baseball at Atrium Health Ballpark,” Cannon Ballers General Manager Matt Millward said. “Hosting our local Charlotte 49ers is the perfect way to kick off a new era in Kannapolis.”

Under current COVID-19 restrictions, a limited capacity of fans will be admitted to the game. Cannon Baller supporters will receive first priority in securing tickets. Season ticket holders should check their email inbox for more details or call 704-932-3267.

49ers Baseball season ticket holders, UNC Charlotte students and Grand Slam Club members will receive an email offer to purchase tickets online.

If any tickets remain, those will go on sale to the public at noon on Tuesday at kcballers.com.

All attendees will be required to follow local guidelines, including mandated face masks and social distancing measures.

The Cannon Ballers, the single-A affiliate of the White Sox, will open their season on Tuesday, May 4. Click here for more information on their upcoming season.

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The 49ers are also scheduled to host the University of Rhode Island in a doubleheader at Truist Field in uptown Charlotte on Saturday, March 20. The team was originally scheduled to play the College of Charleston, but that team had to cancel due to COVID-19 concerns.

The ballpark will operate at 30% capacity, as per local and state guidelines.

First pitch is set for 1:30 p.m. Tickets for that game cost $10.

All fans coming out to Truist Field will be required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing.

Click here to purchase tickets.