NC State-Virginia season opener moved from Brazil to Charlottesville

NC State and Virginia are moving their Week 0 opener from Brazil to the Cavaliers’ Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va., the programs announced Wednesday.

The schools said the move came after “extensive review with operational partners and international stakeholders.” The Wolfpack’s statement said the game organizer, Athlete’s Advantage, told the ACC and the programs that “the event could not be conducted.”

The teams were set to receive $2 million for participating in the event, according to a game contract previously provided by NC State after a public records request. The Cavaliers and the Wolfpack would also have received a portion of sponsorship money and fan travel packages they sold.

The contract’s cancellation fee requires Athlete’s Advantage to pay the schools $1.5 million each, unless it’s triggered by “circumstances beyond its reasonable control” such as national emergencies, international health/travel advisories, labor issues or natural disasters.

A message to Athlete’s Advantage was not immediately returned.

The game will still be played on Aug. 29.

College football has a long history of international games with a renewed interest in recent years. Ireland has been a regular host in Week 0 and will hold a matchup between TCU and North Carolina this year.

Kansas and Arizona State are scheduled to play in London in September, and the Big 12 has actively pursued events in Mexico.

— David Ubben contributed to this report.