The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Morehouse College will meet at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday for the inaugural Natural State Football Kickoff Classic, bringing together fans of two historically Black universities and creating business opportunities across Little Rock.
Tailgating was already underway ahead of the game, with fans gathering to celebrate the tradition and community surrounding HBCU football.
“For me, it means so much,” said Serreta Boson. “I remember when Mom and Dad got their first RV and they were like, ‘We’re going to start going to the football game.’”
Alicia Bradley said bringing the matchup to Little Rock allows the event to give back to the capital city, even though UAPB games are typically played in Pine Bluff.
“It’s just as important as every other university, but also being able to give back to the community, the local areas here in Little Rock, too,” Bradley said. “Usually it’s in Pine Bluff, so having it up here is a great opportunity.”
Fans Josh Coleman and Jailyn Powers said the significance of HBCU football goes beyond the game itself.
“It’s a lot of history and a lot of things that you have to really be a part of the community and go to the schools to really experience and understand why these things happen,” they said.
With thousands of fans expected, organizers anticipate the event will benefit local hotels, grocery stores, vendors and other businesses.
“When people come from all over the state and the surrounding states, they bring value to the city,” a fan said. “They bring impact to the hotels, to the grocery stores, and it keeps the money right here inside of Arkansas.”
Boson, a small-business owner, said tailgating also gives local vendors an opportunity to connect with customers.
“There are vendors out here,” she said. “I’m a small business owner. They need your love. They need your support. That’s how you keep money in the community.”
