CHARLOTTE (CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE) -- For the first time in 35 years, the Charlotte 49ers will play Illinois State in the Thanksgiving week tournament at Disney World, the school announced on Tuesday.

Back in May, the 49ers announced it was one of four teams in this year's Imagination Bracket in the 19th annual Thanksgiving week tournament in Orlando.

The first time the 49ers played Illinois State was on December 28, 1989, as part of the Far West Classic in Portland, Oregon. When the teams square off on Turkey Day, it'll be each of their first time playing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.

Richmond will take on Furman in the first game at 11 a.m. on ESPN2. The two winners will play in the championship game on Black Friday at 3 p.m. after the third-place game at 12:30 p.m.

“We’re excited

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