CIAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HEADS TO CHARLOTTE

CIAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HEADS TO CHARLOTTE

June 28, 2007

Hampton, VA - The 2007 CIAA Football Championship Game will be played in Charlotte on Saturday, November 10. This will mark the first time the event has been played in the Queen City since 1982. The Championship Game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
 
"We look forward to our premier football event moving to Charlotte. Without question, the 2007 season is poised to be one of the best ever," Commissioner Leon Kerry said. "The Championship Game has been great for our fans who have watched the game all over the country, whether at the stadium or on television."
 
Several All-America candidates return for the 2007 campaign including electrifying QB Lamar Little of Virginia Union (2388 all-purpose yards, 34 touchdowns), QB Curtis Rich of Eastern Division Champ Elizabeth City State (1854 pass yards, 21 touchdowns), and 2005 All-CIAA QB Jay Autry of Fayetteville State (3163 career pass yards).
 
The 2006 Season was arguably the most exciting in CIAA History. Both 2007 Championship Game Teams were invited to the NCAA Playoffs. It was the first time since 1991 that the conference had two teams in the playoffs.
 
Last year, in front of a record crowd of  nearly 13,000, North Carolina Central (which reclassified to Division I) kicked a last second field goal to defeat Elizabeth City State in a 17-14 thriller. The last three Championship Games including both the 2004 (Shaw 10, Fayetteville State 7) and 2005 Games (NCCU 26, Bowie State 23) have been decided by three points.
 
"I'm excited that the CIAA Championship Game is coming to Charlotte," said Harry Jones, Mecklenburg County Manager. "Speaking for the citizens of Mecklenburg County, it will be a pleasure hosting the CIAA Championship. We have proven that we are outstanding hosts, and look forward to laying out the red carpet for CIAA fans on November 10."
 
Since the Eastern-Western Divisional Format was put in place in 2000, CIAA regular season attendance has continued to grow. Simultaneously, the Championship Game (revived in 2000) has grown into one of football's most anticipated events.
 
Exciting events are planned including Food Lion's "Taste of Food Lion" Tour at the Championship Game as well as other exciting events planned for all CIAA Fans in attendance.
 
"We have an exciting game planned with plenty to do for the entire family," said Championship Game Director Jeffrey McLeod. "All Football Fans should come out and enjoy one of the most exciting games of the season, the halftime battle of the bands, and all of the great events which we have been planned."
 
"Charlotte and American Legion Memorial Stadium are proud to be chosen as the home of the CIAA Football Championship for the first time in 25 years," said Jeff Beaver, Executive Director of the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission. "...The student-athletes, their families, and the fans of the football teams will also be warmly welcomed by all the citizens of Charlotte."