June 20, 2008

Southern University and Alabama State University have agreed to move their annual match-up to Ladd-Peebles Stadium for the Gulf Coast Classic through at least 2011. This year's 35th anniversary game will be held Saturday, Nov. 15.

"For the past several years, it has been our intent to bring the game full circle into a true classic- a contest between common opponents on a common date on an annual basis," said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones. "We're finally there and the city of Mobile is extremely excited to have two teams both under 200 miles from here with strong alumni and fan bases. There's no doubt this is absolutely the right path for this game."

The Gulf Coast Classic has been held in Mobile for the last 34 years, and ASU has participated every year since its inception in 1974.

"There is something special about the ASU-Southern rivalry," said ASU Interim Athletic Director Ron Dickerson. "ASU fans already love coming to Mobile for the Gulf Coast Classic. Now, with Southern's participation solidified for the next several years, fans from both sides will be thrilled."

Southern has played in 11 Gulf Coast Classics, and their followers, known as "the Jaguar Nation," have developed a reputation for the large crowds they carry to away games.

"This agreement benefits everyone greatly," said Southern Athletic Director Greg LeFleur. "We're excited to be involved in the Classic and Mobile is an excellent meeting place and host for the universities."

The annual match-up between the Southwestern Athletic Conference foes has grown into a fierce rivalry. Over the last decade, the ASU Hornets and the SU Jaguars have played some of the most exciting and memorable games in the conference -- including match-ups in back to back SWAC championships games, with each team winning once.

Last year's Gulf Coast Classic -- which was televised nationally by ESPNU -- set a new record for the most RVs and motor homes on the inside of Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

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About the Gulf Coast Classic: The Gulf Coast Classic, the only regular season college football game annually played in Mobile, is owned and managed locally by the Gulf Coast Scholar and Sports Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit organization and was established to directly impact the lives of students and student-athletes who reside along the Gulf Coast.

The Foundation awards scholarships and youth sports sponsorships to those individuals or teams that have displayed outstanding academic and athletic achievements.

For more information on the Gulf Coast Scholar and Sports Foundation, call (251) 344-2000 or visit www.gulfcoastscholarandsports.org.