Norfolk State football will be heading to Philadelphia this fall.
The Spartans will face Delaware State on Oct. 30 at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, in what’s being billed as a “paradigm shift” for HBCU football.
“Today’s announcement represents a significant and historic milestone for our university and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference,” Norfolk State athletic director Melody Webb said. “A game of this magnitude deserves a national platform, and I would like to commend the Philadelphia Eagles for providing us with an amazing venue for this highly anticipated event. This matchup will highlight the talent and legacy of HBCU football.”
The nationally televised matchup, on a Thursday, will mark the first meeting between two NFL legends-turned-head coaches — Norfolk State’s Michael Vick and Delaware State’s DeSean Jackson — in their debut seasons leading Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference programs.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this historic moment and want to thank the Philadelphia Eagles, Norfolk State and Delaware State for their collaboration to make this happen,” Vick said in a statement. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to play in a world-class venue on a world-class stage. Coach Jackson and I made so many unforgettable memories together at Lincoln Financial Field — this stadium holds special meaning in my NFL career.”
The game marks the first time either school has played at an NFL stadium. It’s also the first time the Eagles will host HBCU teams at Lincoln Financial Field in a regular-season setting. Tickets go on sale June 17 via Ticketmaster.
“We are thrilled to host two of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country,” said Frank Gumienny, the Eagles’ chief operating officer. “Led by first-year head coaches and all-time Eagles greats, DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick are blazing new trails in their respective careers that we are all so incredibly proud of. Lincoln Financial Field is excited to serve as the host venue for this highly anticipated HBCU matchup. We look forward to shining a much-deserved spotlight on the Delaware State and Norfolk State football programs.”
