Shaw University

Shaw Football Program Announces New Venue

Raleigh, NC – (May 9, 2007) Shaw University is taking athletic programming to another level. The University is excited to announce that the Shaw football program will play the 2007-2008 season in the Durham County Stadium located at 2700 Stadium Drive in Durham, NC. Sitting on more than 31 acres, the 8,500 seat Stadium is the ideal venue for kickoff of the first home game of the 2007 season on September 15th against Morehouse College at 1:00 p.m.

Because the University is a statewide institution with a location in Durham, it was a natural progression to move to Durham. As the University continues its commitment to bridging community beyond the gates, officials from Durham County and the University have come to an amicable short-term partnership for the 2007-08 season that is a win-win for everyone. Mike Turner, Director of General Services and the Stadium Manager stated, “Durham County officials are excited about the partnership with Shaw University.” Shaw University is also excited about this opportunity that will provide the sense of belonging that has been absent from this segment of athletic programming. Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, President of Shaw University stated, “This is a proud day for Shaw University. Securing a new venue for the football program aligns with the academic prestige and progressive goals of excellence that are hallmarks of the University. Durham County has opened the doors to an elevated level of possibilities and we are thrilled about the renewed spirit that this is sure to bring to the entire Shaw Family. Raleigh-Durham is a seamless metropolitan area and the collegiate-like stadium was available. We are very excited about this new chapter in the future of Shaw University football.”

Martel Perry, Executive Vice President stated, “Shaw University is attempting to have a better connection between the community that it serves and the activities and initiatives that it is involved in. Because Shaw University has nine educational sites across the state of North Carolina and a significant one in Durham, it seemed logical to position ourselves so alumni, friends and current students will have greater opportunity to participate in University events.”

Head Coach Darryl Asberry is very pleased about the direction of the football program and that this will help bring to the goals that he has set for the football program. He stated, “Having this stadium as a home field brings a bigger measure of validation and prestige to our football program. The stadium will assist with recruitment initiatives and provide our student-athletes with a “spirit of home.”

This relationship with Durham County is indeed another impetus towards building and bridging community beyond the gates of Shaw University; the spirit of community at its best! “Strides to Excellence: Only the Best!”