Yankee Stadium to Host New York Urban League Football Classic; Hampton University to play Morgan State University
Yankee Stadium will once again play host to a classic college football matchup, as Hampton University and Morgan State University will meet in the New York Urban League Football Classic on November 17, 2012, at the home of the Yankees. The two-year agreement calls for the two schools to play at Yankee Stadium in 2013 as well.
The original Yankee Stadium was host to what would become known as the annual New York Urban League Football Classic from 1968-73 and ’76-87. Morgan State played 11 times in the contest, going 1-10 as they faced off against Grambling and head coach Eddie Robinson each time. For Hampton, it will mark their first football game at Yankee Stadium (original or current).
“It’s wonderful that the New York Urban League Football Classic can once again call Yankee Stadium its home,” said Hal Steinbrenner, New York Yankees Managing General Partner. “As everyone knows, college football was a passion of my father’s, as was providing opportunities for future generations. The return of this rich tradition showcases both of those tenets, and our organization couldn’t be prouder to be hosting the NYUL Football Classic this fall.”
Now in its fourth year of existence, Yankee Stadium has already played host to elite college football games, including the annual New Era Pinstripe Bowl, the 50th all-time matchup between Notre Dame and Army in 2010, and Army vs. Rutgers in 2011. The home of the Yankees is also scheduled to play host to Army-Boston College in November 2014. Additionally, Yankee Stadium has hosted the Public School Athletic League Football Championship Game in each of the last two years.
Since its inception, proceeds from the New York Urban League Football Classic have helped to leverage over $20 million in Whitney M. Young, Jr. Educational Scholarships to nearly 4,000 college bound students. Whitney M. Young, Jr. who the scholarship was named after, was the President of the National Urban League. His distinguished career was marked by his effectiveness in bringing the business community into full participation in the struggle for Civil Rights. Young focused on gaining equality for blacks in business and politics, along with improving opportunities for the urban poor. The New York Urban League continues the mission to enable African Americans and other underserved communities to secure a first-class education, economic self-reliance and equal respect of their civil rights through programs, services and advocacy in our highly diversified city.
The original Yankee Stadium played host to numerous college and professional football classics, serving as the home of the New York Yankees football team and the New York Giants as well as the secondary football home for NYU from 1923-48. As one of the world’s most prestigious addresses, the original Yankee Stadium was also the home for scores of other sports, entertainment and cultural events, including boxing, professional football, soccer, political assemblies, three Papal masses, religious conventions, concerts, NYU commencement and the circus.