July 16, 2008

On Wednesday (July 16), nine North Carolina Central University administrators, eight Athletics staff members and Alumni Relations Director Norma Petway, loaded into a van at 8 a.m. and drove to the Queen City, Charlotte, N.C., for a meeting with local representatives to discuss the NCCU vs. North Carolina A&T football game on Oct. 4 at Memorial Stadium.

Two NCCU alums, Charlotte City Councilman James Mitchell and attorney Eric Montgomery have been key supporters of this event and helped organize the meetings. The City of Charlotte and the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department have also been extremely supportive in this venture.

While I can tell you that the sessions were productive, I cannot provide you with all of the details. (Sorry, but these blogs are not going to be that in-depth)

However, I will tell you that tailgate lovers will be happy to know that stadium parking lots will open at 8:30 a.m. and stadium gates will open at 3:30 p.m. for the 5 p.m. kickoff. That leaves folks plenty of time to eat, drink, relax and enjoy each other's company before getting their game face on.

Also, the host hotel will be the Omni in downtown Charlotte. Great location with lots to do before or after the game.

In between meetings, Councilman Mitchell took the "NCCU nine" to a local favorite eatery, Simmons 4th Ward Restaurant, which features absolutely delicious home-cooked soul food. Imagine Charlotte's version of The Chicken Hut on Fayetteville Street in Durham. We all left with full stomachs and smiles on our faces. (By the way, we all paid our own way.)

We arrived back on campus at around 6 p.m. thanks to the "swift" driving of George "Bulldog" Smith. It was a full day, but a productive one as we look forward to the weekend of Oct. 4.

Make plans now to attend.