RELEASE: Season Opener At Louisville Moved To September 2

RALEIGH, NC – NC State Football’s season opener at Louisville will now be played on Sept. 2, moving from the previously scheduled Sept. 3 date, it was announced on Monday.

Because of the nationwide pandemic, the 146th Kentucky Derby Weekend, originally set for April 30 through May 2 in Louisville, was pushed back to Sept. 3-5 and coincided with Louisville’s opener. Thursday of Derby week has become known as “Thurby,” a traditionally highly-attended event. 

Due to the logistical efforts associated with the Kentucky Derby and a UofL home football game, both schools mutually agreed to move the game up one day to avoid any conflicts for traffic and operations. Cardinal Stadium and Churchill Downs are neighbors, with the facilities located in close proximity to one another and many attendees park at the football stadium. 

Kickoff time and network designation for the matchup will be available at a later date. ESPN's early-season college football schedule will be announced in the coming weeks as conferences and television networks continue to prepare for the college football season.