A three-acre park that creates a game-day environment of excitement and celebration at the University of North Carolina Charlotte melds with the university campus, using its official paver, English Edge Full Range. Installed by Metrolina Landscape. All photos by Taylor McKillop, Metrolina Landscape.
Above: The 49th Acre welcomes students and visitors with a signature gateway and beautifully installed English Edge clay pavers that reflect UNCC’s campus character.
The University of North Carolina Charlotte recently unveiled The 49th Acre – a vibrant, three-acre park designed to energize game-day traditions and strengthen campus community life. Located on the UNC Charlotte Millennial Campus, this outdoor venue is just a short walk from Jerry Richardson Stadium. It provides an expansive setting for both informal gatherings and organized tailgating events.
Clay paver walkway flanked by mature landscaping and lamp posts, offers a visually cohesive connection from parking to the park’s central features.
Developed through a $10 million anonymous gift, The 49th Acre accommodates over 2,500 guests and features an 8,000-square-foot entertainment pavilion, green spaces, and dedicated power pedestals for tailgating. The landscape architecture by LandDesign, combined with construction management from Barton Malow and the DLR Group, brings together function, style, and school spirit in a uniquely branded setting.
Close-up of the herringbone paver pattern leading to the entertainment pavilion. The use of Full Range and Red supports the campus’s aesthetic while offering high performance.
A key design element is the seamless integration of Pine Hall Brick clay pavers, tying the new park into the broader campus aesthetic.
Metrolina Landscape, with more than 40 years of experience and a reputation for innovation in hardscape installations, handled the extensive paver work. The firm installed 11,646 square feet of English Edge Full Range pavers along with 2,200 linear feet of English Edge Red pavers for borders in the walkway. For vehicular zones, 1,720 square feet of English Edge Red and Full Range Heavy Duty were installed to withstand the demands of campus traffic.
“The paver choice reflects both visual continuity and durability,” said Taylor McKillop, Business Development Manager for Metrolina Landscape. “We’re proud to help shape public spaces that are not only functional but also elevate the user experience.”
Metrolina Landscape crew installing Pine Hall Brick English Edge pavers during the early construction phase. Over 11,000 square feet of pedestrian pavers were placed.
The paver choice reflects both visual continuity and durability. We’re proud to help shape public spaces that are not only functional but also elevate the user experience.
A signature gateway portal marks the entrance to the venue, reinforcing the identity of the space and welcoming students and guests into a landscape that celebrates the university’s culture and future. The hardscape pathways, open greens, and thoughtfully integrated infrastructure combine to support a range of uses—from lively tailgates to relaxed campus strolls.
As college and university development teams seek long-lasting, visually cohesive materials, the success of The 49th Acre offers a compelling case study in how collaborative design and skilled installation can create enduring impact.
With its thoughtful planning and execution, the project stands as a model for campus placemaking—where tradition, innovation, and community intersect.
