Tuskegee to Host First-Ever Home Night Game on Sept. 6 against Central State

May 28, 2025

Contact: Jordan Benson, SID, Athletics Department
   

TUSKEGEE, Ala. 鈥� The 蘑菇视频 Golden Tigers will take the field under the lights during their first-ever home night football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, when they host SIAC rival Central State at Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium.

The historic game marks a major milestone for HBCU football鈥檚 winningest program and reflects Tuskegee鈥檚 growing investment in enhancing the student-athlete and campus experience.

鈥溎⒐绞悠� students, alumni and football fans are expected to fill the stadium in September to witness something we have all wanted for a long time,鈥� said Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO. 鈥淭he excitement around this game is significant because of our partnership with Alabama Power. Their dedication and financial support to this university to light up the entire campus cannot be understated.鈥�

The installation of permanent stadium lighting thanks to the partnership with Alabama Power, now allows the Golden Tigers to host night games for the first time in school history, while also offering year-round benefits for athletics and the broader campus community. The partnership also meant lighting for the baseball field, tennis courts and softball field.

鈥淚t gives me great pride to see how Alabama Power has helped light up the Tuskegee campus,鈥� said Jonathan Porter, a Tuskegee alum, Trustee and Senior Vice President of Customer Operations for Alabama Power. 鈥淥ur commitment to the university has been ongoing and these enhancements are another example of our efforts to be strategic partners. Personally, as a second-generation Tuskegee alum, I cannot wait for the first night game and the celebrations that will come with it.鈥�

鈥淭his is a transformational moment not only for Tuskegee Athletics but for the entire university and community,鈥� said Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin. 鈥淧laying under the lights at Abbott Memorial Stadium gives us new opportunities to engage our fanbase, provide a better game day experience, and showcase our rich traditions to a national audience. We鈥檙e proud to take this step forward and make history in 2025.鈥�

Beyond game days, the stadium lighting has quickly become a valuable tool for student wellness, academic enrichment, and engagement. The lights have created more flexible scheduling for student-athletes, who can now practice during the cooler evening hours and avoid the risks associated with extreme daytime heat. This change has been critical for health and safety, not only for athletes but also for fans, after multiple instances of emergency services being called to assist individuals suffering from heat-related illnesses in the stands.

鈥淭he lights were about more than football,鈥� Ruffin said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e about the health, safety, and well-being of our student-athletes, our student body, our fans, our parents, and our alumni.鈥�

The lighting has also had an immediate impact on campus life. Students now enjoy movie nights on the field under the stars using the stadium jumbotron, as well as other student life events, transforming the space into a multi-purpose venue for learning and student life.

The upcoming game against Central State promises to be a landmark moment, combining historic significance with community celebration. The Golden Tigers and Marauders have a long-standing SIAC rivalry, and hosting this matchup under the lights will elevate the atmosphere and experience for everyone in attendance.

As one of the most storied programs in HBCU football history, Tuskegee鈥檚 move to modernize while honoring its tradition speaks volumes. Ruffin added a historical footnote: Legendary coach Cleve Abbott first proposed stadium lighting back in 1926. Nearly a century later, his vision has finally become reality.

For updates on ticket availability, event programming, and kickoff time, please visit and follow @MyTUAthletics on all social media platforms for the latest announcements and game day details.

漏 2025 蘑菇视频