Virginia Union University will open the 2020 football season when the Panthers take on Hampton University at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, VUU announced on Monday, April 20.
This will mark the second straight year where VUU will open on the road against the Pirates. Virginia Union will have five road games and five home games for the 2020 season.
The next week will see the Panthers travel to Hickory, N.C., to face Lenoir-Rhyne University, which finished 13-1 and ranked fourth in the nation last season.
“Our 2020 schedule will be very challenging. Any time you face an FCS and a DII powerhouse in the first two weeks of the season you definitely have your hands full. Those opening weeks along with a very tough CIAA slate means your team has to be ready week in and week out,” said Virginia Union Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker. “We were very fortunate that after a late cancellation we were able to schedule Elizabeth City State University in the Down East Classic. Although playing twice wasn’t Ideal it does give our student-athletes and additional in-region and Division II game. I thought our guys were having an exceptional off-season until it was shortened due to the pandemic, we are eager and ready to get to work for what is expected to be an exciting 2020 season.”
VUU will travel to Rocky Mount, N.C., to face Elizabeth City State University in the Down East Viking Classic on September 19 before traveling to Charlotte, N.C., to meet Johnson C. Smith University on September 26.
This will mark the first time since 2005 that the Panthers will open with four straight road contests. VUU will have five road games to go with five home contests in 2020.
Virginia Union will kick off the 2020 home season with the Willard Bailey Classic on October 3 against Shaw University.
The Panthers will then face Lincoln University on Homecoming 2020 on Saturday, October 10.
After traveling to Murfreesboro, N.C., to face Chowan University on October 17, VUU will return to Hovey Field on October 24 to face Bowie State University in the Annual Dr. Lucille M. Brown Community Youth Bowl.
VUU will host Elizabeth City State on Veterans’ Appreciation Day on October 31 and will finish out the 2020 regular season with the Panthers’ traditional Senior Day match-up with Virginia State University on November 7.
The CIAA Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, November 14.
2020 Virginia Union Football Schedule
Courtesy: VUU Athletics