Proposed NC bill could reshape sports schedules for UNC system schools

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Sports rivals always draw big crowds, and House Bill 965 could put those games on the schedule more frequently.

“I feel like the community really comes together when we play rivals. Everyone just comes together,” said former ECU student Maddie Arcuri.

A bill filed Tuesday by Republican lawmakers would require NC State and UNC Chapel Hill to play either ECU, Appalachian State, or UNCC at least twice every six years, with one game at home and one away.

“I have friends that went to Chapel Hill and NC state, so I think it’s pretty cool that everyone can get together for the games,” said ECU Sports fan Ashley Faguett.

The requirement would apply to both men’s and women’s basketball, along with football.

An official from the House said this could encourage larger schools to play smaller NC universities, boosting the economic impact on those communities.

“Anytime we have the bigger schools in NC State/Carolina come to town, it provides an uptick in sales traffic not only for us but the entire city of Greenville,” said sportswear manager Chad Thompson.

The proposed bill must still clear two House committees before a floor vote is held.

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