A football team at the College of Charleston may have always been a distant dream for students, but the School of Business Dean’s Student Forum examined the real possibility April 7.
“Imagine It … College of Charleston Football: Should We or Shouldn’t we?” was the first installment of the Think Differently Forum Speaker series, which will continue every semester. The event was open to all students to discuss the benefits and disadvantages a football team would bring to the College.
The panel was comprised of Charlotte Bobcats advisor Mac Everett, ESPN Collegiate Development Vice President Dan Shoemaker, South Carolina Stingrays owner Anita Zucker and C of C Director of Athletics Joe Hull. Post and Courier Executive Sports Editor Ken Burger moderated.
Among the topics discussed during the forum were the costs associated with starting a new football program, which would measure in the millions.
“There will never be a time when the money to launch football will be readily available,” Everett said.
Burger said the College is already highly publicized for its basketball team.
“Also you have to think about what you’ve got,” Burger said. “Basketball has put College of Charleston on the map. By going to the NCAA tournament, by having a great team. So, [a football team] could give you the kind of recognition and publicity that you cannot go out and buy.”
The cost of starting a football program at UNC-Charlotte, which Everett was critical in creating, was upwards of $6 million. Money to start the team is not the only issue; UNC’s football stadium cost around $40 million.
In addition to the cost, students are concerned about where the stadium would go.
“I think the best place would be right by the water. Figure out some of that state property and find a lot big enough to fit a football stadium out there,” Hull said. “Then, you build it where students could walk to the games, and players, when they practice on a day-to-day basis, could walk back and forth to practice, instead of having to put them on a bus, or multiple buses, and taking them places.”  
Zucker said Charleston isn’t ready for a football team.
“I think it could be competition for the Stingrays,” said Zucker. “We all have to go out looking for corporate dollars because we’re all selling entertainment. I’m a sports fan, I love football, but I don’t see it happening in downtown Charleston. The politics of the city and what the city is fighting and battling right now [would not be conducive to a new college football program].”
Some students are concerned with how a football team may change the culture and atmosphere of the College.
“I think a lot more students are adamant about keeping the culture we have now,” said senior and one event organizer Maureen Porzio.
Shoemaker said if Charleston wants a football team it shouldn’t let space or money hold it back.
“There are great athletic facilities in Charleston. People get hung up on why not a football field,” said Shoemaker. “I think the real issue is whether or not you want to do it. If you want to do it, do it.”
The popularity of football in the South could mean a successful football team for Charleston, Hull said.
“I think we would be good and we would be good fast,” said Hull. “In this state people love football. There is ample talent here. We could do it very well.”
The question of whether or not the College will be getting a football program is still unanswered. The subject is unclear among students, with good arguments from both sides. The question will ultimately come down to students, and the football program, if started, would take years to become a reality.
“It’s a long-term decision,” Everett said.