ELON, N.C. – The 2012 Elon football season will begin with a short journey as the Phoenix will visit the North Carolina Tar Heels in its opener as announced the Elon Department of Athletics today. It will mark the fourth game ever for Elon against a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent.

“This is a great game for our program and for our ability to continue to build Elon’s Division I football presence in the state of North Carolina,” stated Elon Director of Athletics Dave Blank. “In my discussions with our student-athletes, there is no doubt that they embrace the challenges that come with a game versus an opponent at the level of UNC. Opportunities like this are tremendous for both our student-athletes and our university.”

Despite being separated by about 40 miles, Elon and North Carolina have never met on the gridiron in their storied histories.

“Having the opportunity to play against an FBS opponent, especially one in-state, is great from a recruiting standpoint,” said Elon head coach Jason Swepson. “With North Carolina just down the road, it also provides a wonderful opportunity for our students, alumni and fans to come out and support us. Playing games against teams like Vanderbilt and North Carolina will only prepare our student-athletes even more for the rigors of Southern Conference play.”

Elon will open the 2011 campaign at FBS opponent Vanderbilt on September 3 in Nashville, Tenn. The Phoenix also has a game scheduled with FBS foe Georgia Tech in 2013. With those games, Elon will play an FBS team in five consecutive seasons. The program’s first-ever FBS opponent was South Florida in 2007.