The Carolina RailHawks and UNC Chapel Hill’s Sports Administration department have partnered for the past three years to provide students in Dr. Richard Southall’s Sports Sales and Revenue Production class with a real-life work experience. Students had the opportunity to apply what they had learned in the classroom to the work that they were doing with sales executives from the Carolina RailHawks.

Through the partnership, one-third of the revenue from every ticket sold by the UNC students is donated by the RailHawks back to the class.  The students have in turn chosen to donate the money to a local non-profit organization.  This year, the class was able to sell a record-breaking 390 tickets.

RailHawks President Curt Johnson stated, “I want to thank Dr. Southall and his students for their work on behalf of the RailHawks. In addition to providing real-world experience for students, it familiarizes them with the RailHawks professional soccer organization, and opens the door to near-term internship opportunities and longer-term full-time employment opportunities.”

Recognition of the class and a presentation of the donation totaling $1,039 will occur during halftime at the Saturday, July 21^st match against the Minnesota Stars that will kickoff at 7:00 PM. The class will donate the money raised to UNC Children’s Hospital. Chris Ellington, UNC HealthCare's Executive Vice President and CFO, will accept the donation check from the class at halftime of the game.

Prior to the game fans can participate in the Inaugural Pregame Pig Pickin’ Festival. Entry to the festival will be $10 and include barbeque, beer, and live music. Tickets for the match can be purchased online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com. For more information about tickets to the match and entry bracelets for the festival, contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com.