NEWARK, N.J. – February 8, 2024 – KBS Sports Strategies is excited to announce the return of the Prudential Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic, which will feature long-standing rivals Morgan State and Hampton University on Aug. 31 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
The Prudential Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic is a celebration of the culture and excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). HBCUs have been pivotal in the education and advancement of Black students for over 150 years. The Classic is designed to increase awareness of HBCUs while also having a direct impact on the City of Newark through scholarship awards, partnerships, and local economic development.
“We are excited to return to the City of Newark and to continue our partnership with Prudential as the presenting sponsor for the Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic,” said Brian Taylor of KBS Sports Strategies. “Their partnership played an integral role in the success of the inaugural classic. Prudential has a proven track record of highlighting the excellence of HBCUs and creating generational wealth opportunities for the Black community.“
Prudential Financial is returning as the presenting sponsor of the game, which will feature Morgan State University and Hampton University this year. Both former members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the two teams will meet on the gridiron for the first time since 2016.
“We are excited to return as the presenting sponsor of the Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic,” said Shané Harris, Head of Social Responsibility & Partnerships at Prudential Financial. “We have a strong history of working with partners both locally and nationally that celebrate and empower Black communities. These partnerships fuel our journey to help address gaps in the financial industry and better meet the needs of our diverse customers.”
“We are thrilled to be heading back to Harrison, N.J., for the Prudential Brick City Classic against Morgan State,” stated Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. “The upcoming event promises to be an extraordinary experience for both players and fans, building on the exceptional hospitality we enjoyed during our last visit. Red Bull Arena is an outstanding facility that provides an atmosphere that is unrivaled. We eagerly anticipate the chance to reignite our longstanding rivalry with Morgan State.”
Morgan State is Hampton’s fourth oldest opponent. The Hampton-Morgan State rivalry dates back to 1922 and the Bears lead the series by a 37-26-2 margin. Hampton has dominated the series in recent years, winning 19 of the last 24 games between the two teams since 1982.
In the last meeting between the two teams, Hampton downed the Bears, 21-12, on Oct. 15, 2016, for Homecoming. Hampton quarterback Jaylian Williamson threw touchdown passes of 37 and 11 yards and caught a 15-yard TD pass from wide receiver Twarn Mixson on a trick play.
Founded in 1868 as Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School, Hampton University is recognized as one of the top historically black colleges and universities in the world. The Hampton University Pirates football team competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision as a member of CAA Football, owning a 14-4 record in the past 18 games.
“We are honored to play in the Prudential Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic against Hampton University. This is a great opportunity that gives a national audience a chance to see our programs in action,” said Dena Freeman-Patton, Vice President/Director of Morgan State University. We expect the environment and other activities surrounding this great matchup will make for a very exciting weekend in New Jersey.”
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution, ranking in the 2024 U.S. News and World Report edition of Best Colleges and National Universities, #332. The Morgan State University Bears compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
Coach Robert Prunty‘s Pirates played Grambling State in the Prudential Brick City Classic on Sept. 2, 2023 when Hampton topped the Tigers, 35-31. Hampton quarterback Chris Zellous earned Player of the Game honors completing 14-of-21 passes for 155 yards and two scores while rushing for 114 yards and two TDs.
Tickets for the Classic are available through TicketMaster. Additional information on tickets and Prudential Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic events can be found at brickcityclassic.com.