The annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge football game will be played this year at Bright House Networks Stadium on the campus of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., according to a Friday announcement made by ESPN Events, the group that owns and operates the event.
This year’s game will feature Alabama A&M (SWAC) versus North Carolina A&T (MEAC) and will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the event.
“We are thrilled to have North Carolina A&T State University and Alabama A&M University making their MEAC/SWAC Challenge debuts in our 10th anniversary game,” said Pete Derzis, senior vice president and general manager, ESPN Regional Television. “UCF’s Bright House Networks Stadium will serve as a wonderful venue, allowing us to give our student-athletes and fans an experience to remember for a long time.”
Played originally at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala. from 2005-2007, the game was moved to the Citrus Bowl in Orlando in 2008 and played there until last year. The Citrus Bowl is currently being renovated and will not be ready in time for game which is schedule to be played on Sunday, Aug. 31.
A spokesperson with ESPN Events confirmed with TSPN Sports that the group’s deal with UCF is a one-year deal and that it is “ESPN’s plan is to return to the Citrus Bowl after the renovations are complete.”
