The Southern University and Delaware State football teams are not the only ones making final preparations for the 2010 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Sunday in Orlando, Fla.
SU alum Nikki Godfrey, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge’s executive director, ESPN and a host of workers and volunteers are in Orlando making preparations for the teams and the fans following them during Labor Day weekend.
MEAC/SWAC Challenge is a “unique celebration of black college football,” Godfrey said. The game is scheduled to kick off at noon Eastern Daylight Time (11 a.m. local) at the Florida Citrus Bowl, but there is more to this weekend than the first meeting between the Jaguars and Hornets since 1986.
“We look to an increase in game attendance and extend the roots in Orlando. Between the first year in Orlando and last year, our attendance has doubled,” said Godfrey.
The weekend includes; Disney Step Classic, Fan Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Annual Legends Reception, The Great “Heart and Soul” Tailgate, MEAC/SWAC Challenge, and Battle of the Bands.
According to Godfrey, “It will be a wonderful weekend in Orlando.”
SU alums such as Pro Football Hall of Famer Mel Blount and Celeste Clark, Kellog Company’s senior vice president of global policy and external relations, will be honored at the Legends Reception Saturday. Other honorees with SWAC ties include Grambling’s Doug Williams and Jackson State’s Robert Brazile.
“It is fitting that the MEAC/SWAC Challenge acknowledges the legacy of those who paved the way for the future leaders who will graduate from historically black colleges and universities,” Godfrey said in a press release.
Leading up to the game will also be The Great “Heart and Soul” Tailgate featuring a collard green cook-off sponsored by Sweet Moses Greens.
There will be a strong ESPN presence and volunteers and staff working towards a great and unique MEAC/SWAC Challenge experience. Immediately following the game will be a post-game press conference and battle of the bands. Southern fans can expect the usual fifth quarter battle of The SU Human Jukebox and the DSU Approaching Storm. The MEAC/SWAC Challenge requires a year around planning process to be successful.
Godfrey stated, “As soon as the whistle blows this year we will begin planning concepts for next year’s challenge.”
Godfrey cleared the rumors about a possible Legacy Bowl between the SWAC champions and MEAC champions.
“Nothing is confirmed at this time, once it is finalized ESPN will step negotiations with the SWAC and MEAC Conferences,” said Godfrey.
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SU Alum prepares for Challenge
September 2, 2010
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