JCSU to Host Wingate in 2015 Season Opener

JCSU Football to Host Wingate in Season Opener

Charlotte, N.C. (Sept. 1, 2015) – The Johnson C. Smith University football team will usher in the Kermit Blount era when they open the 2015 season on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 6:00 p.m. against local rival Wingate at the Irwin Belk Complex.  The game marks the first home night game for JCSU in recent memory.

JCSU comes off a 3-7 campaign in 2014, winning two of their last three, including a 14-10 homecoming win over St. Augustine’s  and a 31-14 win over rival Livingstone in the Commemorative Classic.

The game marks the third time that the Bulldogs and  the Golden Bulls will face off on the gridiron.  Wingate holds a 2-0 lead in the series dating back to 1995.  Wingate won that initial meeting 33-12 as well as the most previous meeting in 2002, 24-0.

The Golden Bulls have history on their side, having won five consecutive home openers, including a 13-6 thriller against Kentucky State in 2014.  Conversely, Wingate has dropped four of their past six season road openers since 2009, including a 28-10 loss at CIAA foe St. Augustine’s in 2012.

Fans are encouraged to come take part in FestiBull, a street festival with inflatables, games, face painting and music prior to Saturday’s contest.  FestiBull kicks off at 3:00 p.m. on North Summit Avenue, adjacent to the Irwin Belk Complex.

Also new this season is the “Golden Bull Game Zone”.  The “Golden Bull Game Zone” includes vendors, FestiBull, and tailgating located on North Summit Avenue.  Ticket scanners will be at all points of entry to North Summit Avenue.  All guests that park in the Brayboy Gym lot and Lot B are required to have a ticket.  Also, patrons are required to have a ticket to enter North Summit Avenue.

Fans can enter the JCSU campus via Beatties Ford Road for general parking, while VIP guests can enter the VIP reserved parking lots via Martin Street.

Ticket sales as well as will call tickets will be available at Brayboy Gym, one and one-half hours prior to kickoff.  This season, no tickets will be sold or distributed at the Irwin Belk Complex.

Tickets are available for Saturday’s game by clicking here.

As a reminder, JCSU has the right to check any and all bags before entrance to the facility and strictly prohibits the following items:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Artificial noise makers
• Coolers or other large containers
• Explosives, firearms, or weapons of any kind
• Illegal drugs or paraphernalia
• Outside food or beverages
• Pets (service animals welcome)
• Umbrellas