Livingstone College

Office of
Communications &
Public Relations

Press Release
For Immediate Release
October 14, 2015

Salisbury-Rowan County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown

Salisbury, Inc. and WSAT 1280 AM Radio joining forces with Livingstone
College, Johnson C. Smith for Commemorative Classic
SALISBURY People who book lodging for this years Commemorative Classic on Nov. 7 will
be eligible to receive a complimentary pair of tickets and $25 in Downtown Dollars in addition
to witnessing a historic football game.
The Salisbury-Rowan County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Downtown Salisbury, Inc. have
agreed to give a complimentary pair of tickets and $25 in Downtown Salisbury Dollars to anyone
who books a hotel room or a room at a bed & breakfast in Rowan County the weekend of Nov. 6,
specifically to attend Livingstones game against CIAA rival Johnson C. Smith University.
Downtown Dollars are recognized as real money and can be spent at any participating downtown
business.

To take advantage of the complimentary package, patrons must reserve their room by 4 p.m. on
Thursday, Nov. 5, and call Tanya Turner at 704.216.6153 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday
through Friday. When calling, patrons must provide their name and confirmation number. Game
tickets and Downtown Dollars can be picked up at hotel check-in by the person whose name is
on the reservation. No exceptions will be made.
The partnership with the city of Salisbury, Salisbury-Rowan Convention & Visitors Bureau and
Downtown Salisbury, Inc. is significant because its the first time theyve participated in the
Commemorative Classic at such a high level and because of the potential to draw thousands of
people to the game that pays homage to the first organized football game between historically
black colleges. On Dec. 27, 1892, Livingstone College and Biddle Memorial Institute (now
Johnson C. Smith University) played in the First Black College Football Game on Livingstones
front lawn.
Were very excited about the city of Salisburys involvement, as well as participation by the
Salisbury-Rowan County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Salisbury, Inc. and WSAT
radio station in this years Commemorative Classic, said Livingstone President Dr. Jimmy R.
Jenkins, Sr. Livingstone College strives to be a good public steward and always welcomes
opportunities to work with Salisbury leaders. Only two institutions of higher learning can make
the claim of being the first to play an organized Black College Football game, and one of them is
located right here in Salisbury. In fact, that initial game was played on our front lawn.
Jenkins and Commemorative Classic Organizer Talbert Gray are working diligently to ensure
Alumni Memorial Stadium is filled on Nov. 7. To that end, logistics are being worked out to
transport area high school students to the game, tents that can accommodate multiple people for
tailgating will be available for rent and other exciting initiatives are being planned. WSAT 1280
AM radio station is a media partner for the event.
Were so pleased to be partnering with Livingstone College for this very important
Commemorative Classic game, said Paula Bohland, executive director of Downtown Salisbury,
Inc. The Downtown Dollars being given as part of the Commemorative Classic are an excellent
way to introduce people to the many wonderful businesses and restaurants Downtown Salisbury
has to offer, and were excited to be able to offer them to eligible patrons that weekend.
Additionally, Downtown Salisbury, Inc. is proud to support Livingstone in the game because
were confident the Blue Bears are going to win.
In another show of support from Downtown Salisbury, Inc., a 4 p.m. pep rally is being held on
Friday, Nov. 6, in the parking lot beside K-Dees Jewelers, and an assortment of prizes will be
given to attendees. Officials from Salisburys Parks and Recreation Department are providing the
sound and staging for the pep rally.
James Meacham, CEO of Salisbury-Rowan County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said his
organization is delighted to join forces with Livingstone.

Our local collegiate sporting events bring many fans and visitors to Salisbury-Rowan County
each year, Meacham said. Partnering with Livingstone College for the 7th Annual
Commemorative Classic is a great opportunity to show our hometown support and to create an
opportunity for our out-of-town visitors to experience Rowan County.
-30For more information, please contact:
Laurie D. Willis
Assistant Director of Public Relations
704.216.6151 or lwillis@livingstone.edu

You may also contact:

Talbert Gray
Partner, AccendiWorks
704.576.2933; tgray@accendiworks.com