NC State-UVA opener moved from Brazil to Charlottesville

Field Level Media|published: Wed 3rd June, 12:33 2026

Sep 22, 2023; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) scrambles from North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive lineman Noah Potter (97) during the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The season-opening football game between North Carolina State and Virginia will no longer be played in Brazil.

Both ACC schools announced Wednesday that the contest will be held on Aug. 29 in Charlottesville, Va.

Billed as the first college football game played in South America, it originally was scheduled to take place at Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

The decision to relocate came after an "extensive review with the operational partners and international stakeholders" involved in the game, according to a press release.

"This change follows communication from Athlete Advantage, which informed the ACC and participating schools that the event could not be conducted," the release said.

Fans who purchased tickets or travel packages will receive refunds.

--Field Level Media