TAILGATING TITAN
Rob Dibble ’95 and the Normbulance bring the party to life.
By Jenny Matz
Photos by Ryan Honeyman
Rob Dibble ’95 is a die-hard 49er fan, and it shows. In the spirited world of tailgating, this guy is king. His infectious enthusiasm and passion for the Charlotte 49ers have made him a local legend, primarily due to a unique creation — “The Normbulance,” a tricked out former ambulance designed for the ultimate tailgate experience.
During the week, the tailgate titan is founder and CEO of ACE Learning and Consulting, a training and development organization for managers and employers. Dibble frequently partners with UNC Charlotte’s School of Professional Studies and major corporations like Barrings Financial, Continental Tire and Bosch Tools. But on weekends, Dibble exudes Niner pride — ride along as we hear how the Normbulance came to be.
The Normbulance is a tailgating staple to the left of Gate 2.
FOUNDATION OF A 49ER
A Belmont, North Carolina native, Dibble is no stranger to Charlotte. When considering colleges, he looked beyond the region, visiting UNC Wilmington and Appalachian State. After several campus tours, he realized UNC Charlotte offered exactly what he sought. He found his niche amongst Charlotte’s modern campus and vibrant student life, paired with the amenities of a metropolitan city. Yet, he was far enough from home to feel like he was starting a new chapter.
Dibble moved into Holshouser Hall his freshman year and quickly gained a tight circle of friends. He immersed himself in campus life, frequenting basketball and soccer games — when he wasn’t completing his degree in religious studies. While Dibble and his buddies actively supported athletics, they missed the football experience other state universities offered — and saw an opportunity.
(FOOTBALL) FIELD OF DREAMS
Early members of the Charlotte 49er Football Initiative (CFI).
One thing you quickly learn about Dibble is that he makes things happen. When he made up his mind to support bringing football to UNC Charlotte, he was all in.
Adding varsity football was a frequent discussion topic throughout Charlotte’s history, but it never gained momentum. In 2006, Jim Duncan ‘91 gathered 15 fans to kick off the Charlotte 49er Football Initiative (CFI) to realize the dream of Division 1 Charlotte football. Dibble, who was among this group, credits the power of the message board for the initiative’s success. This predecessor to today’s social media platforms enabled CFI backers to garner support and bring key players to the table.
Dibble believes the most critical component achieved was connecting alumni and students to identify the real and perceived barriers to overcome. CFI helped students organize and consider solutions to larger issues such as finances and achieving broader student support — both challenging obstacles. But through strategic information sharing and by creating a compelling vision, students rallied and in 2007, they voted overwhelmingly to bring football to campus. The UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees authorized a Football Feasibility Committee, and in 2008, following extensive study and public forums, the committee voted unanimously to recommend the addition of 49er football by fall 2013.
Dibble welcomes any and everyone to join the party.
LIGHTS, SIRENS AND BBQ
Elated by the decision, Dibble vowed to create a memorable experience for each and every game. He wanted a unique tailgating vehicle, and when a friend jokingly suggested an ambulance, Dibble knew they struck gold. With a vision of bringing fans together and creating unforgettable experiences, he purchased an old ambulance and transformed it into the iconic “Normbulance.” The vehicle’s name is a nod to the 49ers’ mascot, Norm the Niner, and it encapsulates the spirit of Niner Nation.
The Normbulance features 49er logos and stickers throughout the years.
The Normbulance quickly became a game-day central hub for tailgaters. Decked in green and white, it stands out in a sea of tailgating setups. The exterior showcases the 49ers’ colors and logo, making it a beacon for fans seeking the ultimate pre-game party. Dibble parks at Gate 2 outside Richardson Stadium for every home game offering food, drinks and community.
The Normbulance boasts a custom bar to enjoy the festivities.
Dibble’s dedication to creating a fantastic experience for fellow 49ers is evident in every detail. The vehicle is equipped with flat-screen TVs, allowing fans to catch all the pre-game action. A custom bar, seating, a barbecue grill and a well-stocked community cooler ensure that nobody goes hungry or thirsty. More than vehicle, it’s a mobile party. Before every game, there is a toast, with Dibble delivering every season’s first.
Dibble toasted to the 49ers at the inaugural football game in 2013.
Jimmy Touchstone ’93, Norm and Dibble on game day.
Ricky Foster hosts the ever-popular “Pick Six.”
He’s regularly joined by a loyal circle, including friends Jimmy Touchstone ’93 and Rodney Graves ’97 who provide Green + Goldschlager shots, from a pickaxe, no less, for merriment and Gold Rush Ribs for staying power. Ricky Foster ’07 hosts “Pick Six,” a Plinko-like game that involves participants dropping a small football amongst pins to determine the shot to be consumed.
AMBULANCE ACTS OF KINDNESS
Beyond its impressive tailgating features, the Normbulance is a symbol of community and unity among UNC Charlotte fans. It’s not just a place to eat and drink before the game; it’s a place to bond with fellow fans, share stories and celebrate the team’s successes.
Dibble’s warm and inviting personality is behind creating this sense of community. He’s always there to welcome new faces and make them feel like part of the 49ers family. And speaking of family, Dibble is regularly joined by his wife Faith Dibble ’07 and daughters Trinity and Finley (pictured left).
As dedicated alumni, Dibble and Graves frequently support many University endeavors such as school supply drives, Alumni Association initiatives, Niner University Elementary and more. Plus, they represent UNC Charlotte at major city events like Charlotte’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Coca-Cola 600 and Open Streets 704 (pictured right).
Dibble with wife Faith ’07 and daughters Trinity and Finley.
The Normbulance at Charlotte’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
MAKE IT THE NORM
As long as there are Charlotte 49ers football games, you can bet the Normbulance will be there, ready to welcome fans and keep the party going. So, the next time you find yourself at Richardson Stadium, be sure to stop by the place where the party never stops and where the spirit of the 49ers is alive and well.
Keep up with Dibble and the Normbulance on X
MAKING NINER NATION PROUD
We all come from distinct backgrounds and leave on different paths. What we have in common is that we take a piece of Niner Nation with us and use it in a special way. When you think of it like that, we’re all striking gold.
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TAILGATING TITAN
Rob Dibble ’95 and the Normbulance bring the party to life.
By Jenny Matz
Photos by Ryan Honeyman
Rob Dibble ’95 is a die-hard 49er fan, and it shows. In the spirited world of tailgating, this guy is king. His infectious enthusiasm and passion for the Charlotte 49ers have made him a local legend, primarily due to a unique creation — “The Normbulance,” a tricked out former ambulance designed for the ultimate tailgate experience.
During the week, the tailgate titan is founder and CEO of ACE Learning and Consulting, a training and development organization for managers and employers. Dibble frequently partners with UNC Charlotte’s School of Professional Studies and major corporations like Barrings Financial, Continental Tire and Bosch Tools. But on weekends, Dibble exudes Niner pride — ride along as we hear how the Normbulance came to be.
The Normbulance is a tailgating staple to the left of Gate 2.
FOUNDATION OF A 49ER
A Belmont, North Carolina native, Dibble is no stranger to Charlotte. When considering colleges, he looked beyond the region, visiting UNC Wilmington and Appalachian State. After several campus tours, he realized UNC Charlotte offered exactly what he sought. He found his niche amongst Charlotte’s modern campus and vibrant student life, paired with the amenities of a metropolitan city. Yet, he was far enough from home to feel like he was starting a new chapter.
Dibble moved into Holshouser Hall his freshman year and quickly gained a tight circle of friends. He immersed himself in campus life, frequenting basketball and soccer games — when he wasn’t completing his degree in religious studies. While Dibble and his buddies actively supported athletics, they missed the football experience other state universities offered — and saw an opportunity.
(FOOTBALL) FIELD OF DREAMS
Early members of the Charlotte 49er Football Initiative (CFI).
One thing you quickly learn about Dibble is that he makes things happen. When he made up his mind to support bringing football to UNC Charlotte, he was all in.
Adding varsity football was a frequent discussion topic throughout Charlotte’s history, but it never gained momentum. In 2006, Jim Duncan ‘91 gathered 15 fans to kick off the Charlotte 49er Football Initiative (CFI) to realize the dream of Division 1 Charlotte football. Dibble, who was among this group, credits the power of the message board for the initiative’s success. This predecessor to today’s social media platforms enabled CFI backers to garner support and bring key players to the table.
Dibble believes the most critical component achieved was connecting alumni and students to identify the real and perceived barriers to overcome. CFI helped students organize and consider solutions to larger issues such as finances and achieving broader student support — both challenging obstacles. But through strategic information sharing and by creating a compelling vision, students rallied and in 2007, they voted overwhelmingly to bring football to campus. The UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees authorized a Football Feasibility Committee, and in 2008, following extensive study and public forums, the committee voted unanimously to recommend the addition of 49er football by fall 2013.
Dibble welcomes any and everyone to join the party.
LIGHTS, SIRENS AND BBQ
Elated by the decision, Dibble vowed to create a memorable experience for each and every game. He wanted a unique tailgating vehicle, and when a friend jokingly suggested an ambulance, Dibble knew they struck gold. With a vision of bringing fans together and creating unforgettable experiences, he purchased an old ambulance and transformed it into the iconic “Normbulance.” The vehicle’s name is a nod to the 49ers’ mascot, Norm the Niner, and it encapsulates the spirit of Niner Nation.
The Normbulance features 49er logos and stickers throughout the years.
The Normbulance quickly became a game-day central hub for tailgaters. Decked in green and white, it stands out in a sea of tailgating setups. The exterior showcases the 49ers’ colors and logo, making it a beacon for fans seeking the ultimate pre-game party. Dibble parks at Gate 2 outside Richardson Stadium for every home game offering food, drinks and community.
The Normbulance boasts custom bar to enjoy the festivities.
Dibble’s dedication to creating a fantastic experience for fellow 49ers is evident in every detail. The vehicle is equipped with flat-screen TVs, allowing fans to catch all the pre-game action. A custom bar, seating, a barbecue grill and a well-stocked community cooler ensure that nobody goes hungry or thirsty. More than vehicle, it’s a mobile party. Before every game, there is a toast, with Dibble delivering every season’s first.
Dibble toasted to the 49ers at the inaugural football game in 2013.
Jimmy Touchstone ’93, Norm and Dibble on game day.
Ricky Foster hosts the ever-popular “Pick Six.”
He’s regularly joined by a loyal circle, including friends Jimmy Touchstone ’93 and Rodney Graves ’97 who provide Green + Goldschlager shots, from a pickaxe, no less, for merriment and Gold Rush Ribs for staying power. Ricky Foster ’07 hosts “Pick Six,” a Plinko-like game that involves participants dropping a small football amongst pins to determine the shot to be consumed.
AMBULANCE ACTS OF KINDNESS
Beyond its impressive tailgating features, the Normbulance is a symbol of community and unity among UNC Charlotte fans. It’s not just a place to eat and drink before the game; it’s a place to bond with fellow fans, share stories and celebrate the team’s successes.
Dibble’s warm and inviting personality is behind creating this sense of community. He’s always there to welcome new faces and make them feel like part of the 49ers family. And speaking of family, Dibble is regularly joined by his wife Faith Dibble ’07 and daughters Trinity and Finley (pictured left).
As dedicated alumni, Dibble and Graves frequently support many University endeavors such as school supply drives, Alumni Association initiatives, Niner University Elementary and more. Plus, they represent UNC Charlotte at major city events like Charlotte’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Coca-Cola 600 and Open Streets 704 (pictured right).
Dibble with wife Faith ’07 and daughters Trinity and Finley.
The Normbulance at Charlotte’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
MAKE IT THE NORM
As long as there are Charlotte 49ers football games, you can bet the Normbulance will be there, ready to welcome fans and keep the party going. So, the next time you find yourself at Richardson Stadium, be sure to stop by the place where the party never stops and where the spirit of the 49ers is alive and well.
Keep up with Dibble and the Normbulance on X
MAKING NINER NATION PROUD
We all come from distinct backgrounds and leave on different paths. What we have in common is that we take a piece of Niner Nation with us and use it in a special way. When you think of it like that, we’re all striking gold.
RELATED STORIES:
