GRAMBLING, LA – December 3, 2018 – Today, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced that Grambling State University will host the 2019 and 2020 Football National Championships at the historic Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
Formerly held in Daytona Beach, FL, the mid-December game will bring more than $1 million in economic impact to North Louisiana.
Historically, the event draws student-athletes, fans and media personnel to host cities and includes broadcasts to ESPN3 and regional networks throughout the country.
“The Grambling State University campus is synonymous with both football and academic achievement,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “We are grateful to add a host city with this incredibly rich legacy to our list of partners.”
“From homecoming to Bayou Classic, our team has proven time and again that we’re one of the best at delivering on game and fan experience,” said Marc Newman, Vice President for Advancement, Research, and Economic Development at Grambling State. “We are working to leverage that reputation to move our University and City ahead, and are excited to have NAIA join us as partners in that effort.”
The 2019 and 2020 host opportunities are a result of the continued work of the Ruston-Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau in partnership Grambling State University and the City of Grambling to better collaborate with local hotels, transportation providers, and businesses to drive growth.
“This selection is a major accomplishment for our area,” said Travis Napper, President and CEO of the Ruston-Lincoln CVB. “Each major event adds value for the citizens, businesses, and the students who call Lincoln Parish home.”
“We couldn’t be more excited about hosting NAIA and these amazing students,” said Mayor Edward Jones of the City of Grambling. “They will get to experience the town and culture that has produced hundreds of football legends.”
For more information please contact (318) 243-5012 or mediarelations@gram.edu.
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About National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. NAIA members provide more than 65,000 student-athletes with opportunities to play college sports, earn $600 million in scholarships and compete in 26 national championships. www.naia.org | @NAIA
About Grambling State University
Grambling State University, located in Grambling Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901. The University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The 590-acre campus offers 41 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Grambling State University is a member of the University of Louisiana System. For more information visit gram.edu.
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