NEWARK, N.J. (February 8, 2024) - KBS Sports Strategies is excited to announce the return of the Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic, which will feature long-standing rivals Morgan State University 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."
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).
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.
About KBS Sports Strategies
Founded in 2019, KBS Sports Strategies opens doors to effective collaboration with the goal of strengthening the foundation of our communities through sports. KBS recognizes that empowering sports organizations and non-profits is key to strengthening communities. Drawing on our collective leadership and experience, KBS gives organizations and non-profits the ability to collaborate effectively, both internally and externally, creating a dynamic that results in a "win-win" for both organizations and communities.
