Clark Atlanta made a red splash last week with their brand new red and black turf field at Panther Stadium.
On Tuesday, it was announced that CAU, along with three other Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schools, received grants from Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the NFL Foundation created the HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program, “an invitational grant program designed to improve field quality, safety and accessibility for students and local community groups serving youth through football,” a joint statement by the AMBFF, the NFL Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation said.
Along with Clark Atlanta, Albany State’s ASU Coliseum and Savannah State’s Ted Wright Stadium will receive upgraded turf fields and Miles College’s football practice field will be converted from turf to grass. After submitting successful proposals, each school received a grant of $1.5 million.
“The positive impact of athletics is a driving force throughout our portfolio of businesses,” AMB Sports and Entertainment CEO/AMBFF Associate Board Member Rich McKay said. “Arthur Blank and his Family Foundation recognize and prioritize community impact through sport, and supporting these historical institutions is a natural extension of our values. We are honored to partner with LISC, the NFL Foundation and these universities to enhance the playing surfaces, with the shared goal of creating more opportunities for the students and surrounding communities alike.”
“The HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program is one of many ways the NFL is deepening its commitment to HBCUs,” adds NFL VP of Philanthropy/Executive Director of the NFL Foundation Alexia Gallagher, NFL VP of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. “We are excited to provide resources for student-athletes at the selected institutions to play the game of football to the best of their ability while creating equal opportunities for all.”
Clark Atlanta and Albany State will debut their new fields Saturday Sept. 7. The Panthers will host Allen in an SIAC battle while the Rams welcome CIAA visitor Shaw to the Coliseum. Savannah State’s new turf debuts the next Saturday, Sept. 14, against SIAC foe Central State.
