A scheduling shift for the 2026 college football season opener
The much-anticipated 2026 season opener between N.C. State and the University of Virginia, originally slated to be played in Brazil, will now take place in Charlottesville, Virginia.
University officials confirmed the change on June 3, 2024, after an exhaustive operational review and communications from Athlete Advantage indicated that the Brazil venue could not be realized.
The decision was framed as a collaborative effort involving the Atlantic Coast Conference, the host universities and their international partners, who determined that logistical constraints made the South American fixture untenable.
Fans who had purchased tickets or travel packages through the official College Football Brasil website will receive refunds, with the refund process being coordinated through the relevant ticketing and payment processors.
The game remains part of the Week 0 schedule, slated to kick off on August 29, 2026, and will be held at Scott Stadium, the historic home of Virginia football.
Further details regarding ticket sales, stadium amenities and fan experiences will be announced in the coming weeks, as the universities work to deliver a seamless event for supporters.