DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl trophy tour came to an end Friday with a final stop before the big game at the Dobbins Consolidated Club.
A ceremony was held for the trophy’s arrival, during which military members, Celebration Bowl executive committee members and community leaders in attendance had the chance to marvel at the shining statue, take photos and eat lunch.
The Air Force Reserve is the title sponsor of the 2016 Celebration Bowl, which features teams from historically black colleges and universities. On Dec. 17, the championship teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic and Southwestern Athletic Conferences will face-off at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
“North Carolina Central University Eagles will take on the Grambling State Tigers,” said Mr. John T. Grant, Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl executive director. “This is not the first time these two teams have come together.”
According to Grant, the MEAC and SWAC champions played in 1972 at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina at the Pelican Bowl. Grambling won that game and this year is their long-awaited “Ali-Frasier” rematch.
“The tour and the game, itself, are significant in bringing together the tradition and pageantry of HBCU football,” said Tirrell D. Whittley, Liquid Soul CEO and principal. “The partnership with the Air Force gives these universities the opportunity to share on a national stage.”
Whittley and Grant both expressed the exposure the bowl brings provides a major boost to the participating schools. Both North Carolina A&T State University and Alcorn State University, the bowl’s 2015 matchup, enjoyed significant increases in applicants and enrollment in the academic year following the bowl.
“It’s a great opportunity for the 94 Airlift Wing to host this Celebration Bowl tour event,” said Brig. Gen. Steven Parker, 94th Airlift Wing commander. “It’s a great partnership between the Air Force Reserve and the Celebration Bowl with the MEAC and SWAC, and I’m looking forward to seeing the game next Saturday.”
This year’s game will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 at the Georgia Dome. Tickets are available at thecelebrationbowl.com, or watch the action live on ABC at noon Eastern.