SALISBURY, NC - Let there be light! History is being made on the campus of Livingstone College again.
In 1892 LC played the first intercollegiate football game between black colleges, and now the CIAA champs will be shining under the new lights of Alumni Stadium.
The Honeywell Corporation has been installing lights for Livingstone's Alumni Stadium as part of a program to improve lighting, heating and plumbing on campus. This will be the first time in 107 years that the Blue Bears will be playing football under the lights of their own field.
"The lights are just a first phase to Livingstone College's quest to bring the community back to the campus," said LC President Dr. Burnett Joiner. "This will give people a chance to explore more of what Livingstone College has to offer."
"The night games will also provide people that work during the day on Saturdays an opportunity to come out and support the Blue Bear football program," said athletic director Clifton Huff. "Having lights will provide an excellent atmosphere to watch football and it will enhance the image of our colleges."
The light poles have been erected and trenches have been dug to connect the final wiring. The lighting of the stadium should be complete by next week.
"The lighting will enable us to have evening events such as concerts, festivals, and other sporting events," said LC public relations specialist Crystal Sadler.
The Blue Bears first home game under the lights will be played September 18th at 7pm against the Virginia Union Panthers. In their last meeting the Panthers defeated the Blue Bears 19-7 in Richmond, VA. This will be Richardson's first meeting against the Panthers since he coached for them as defensive coordinator.
Livingstone College is a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The CIAA was founded in 1912 and is the second oldest African-American athletic conference in the United States. It is comprised of 12 historically black colleges and universities, and this season the CIAA will be celebrating its 55th anniversary. The CIAA is home to the largest sporting event in NCAA Division II athletics, and is the third largest tournament in college basketball at any level.
