Football season is creeping closer, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is giving fans in Little Rock a brand-new reason to start planning their tailgates now.
UAPB announced the inaugural Natural State Classic this week, a “week zero” matchup that will bring the Golden Lions to War Memorial Stadium to face fellow HBCU Morehouse College.
UAPB athletic director Chris Robinson said the goal is to bring the UAPB brand back to Little Rock, calling it a place where the program has long had a presence. He said UAPB has played in Little Rock before with success and described the city as “our backyard.”
Robinson said playing in the capital also helps the university connect with prospective students and recruits who may not be able to travel to Pine Bluff. He pointed to UAPB as an HBCU that plays Division I sports in Arkansas and said the school wants to celebrate that at home. He also noted UAPB has its largest alumni chapter in the area, including the award-winning Pulaski County alumni chapter.
As for why Morehouse is the opponent, Robinson said the matchup brings together two historic programs and highlighted Morehouse’s reputation and mission. He said both schools focus on investing in students’ futures beyond athletics.
UAPB head coach Alonzo Hampton said the Lions are entering his fourth year with optimism, describing the roster as the team’s “best team on paper,” while emphasizing they still have to prove it on the field. Hampton said UAPB has “a lot of returning starters on the offensive line,” an “all-conference running back coming back,” and an “all-conference preseason receiver coming back.”
Hampton also said War Memorial Stadium is a special venue for him personally, noting he won championships there as a high school coach. He compared the atmosphere to a “Super Bowl” and said the event will be about “food, fun, and football.”
Cameo Stokes, associate athletic director, said the weekend is meant to spotlight more than just the game, with a focus on HBCU culture and the university itself. She said UAPB has done promotions tied to other classics and is bringing that energy to Little Rock with a “501 Takeover.” Stokes also pointed to the school’s alumni presence in the area, including Golden Lions license plates around the city, and said the celebration will include tailgating, the band, cheerleaders and recruiting outreach.
Organizers encouraged fans to “circle August 29” and said information and promotions will be shared through UAPB’s website and app, along with radio and social media.
