CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte is edging closer to the start of its inaugural college football season.

Coach Brad Lambert will begin the school's first official spring practice season on Monday. Spring practice concludes with the 49ers first spring game, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m.

The 49ers will begin play in 2013 as a Football Championship Subdivision independent before moving to Conference USA of the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2015 and become a full FBS member with bowl eligibility in 2016.

The school's on-campus 15,300-seat football stadium was completed in the fall. The team's spring practices will be held at both their practice fields and the stadium.