Befitting the tradition of “Classic” football games, there will be a plethora of activities surrounding the “Bull City Gridiron Classic” this week in Durham.
N.C. Central will visit Duke on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium in the schools’ historic first meeting in football.
At tonight’s City Council meeting, Durham mayor Bill Bell will introduce a proclamation calling Saturday “Bull City Gridiron Classic Day,” with representatives from both universities participating.
The “Bull City Football Fest” will be held at the restored historic Durham Athletic Park on Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m., with free admission to all. The event – sponsored by the two universities’ student unions – will include performances by student groups from both schools, as well as a “pep rally” including coaches, players, bands and cheerleaders from both sides.
On Saturday, Duke and NCCU students will participate in two community service projects, a Habitat for Humanity house sponsored by the Duke/Durham Neighborhood Partnership and work at the Durham Rescue Mission.
Also on Saturday, former Duke All-America and two-time National Player of the Year Jay Williams will host basketball clinics for boys and girls from grades 5-8 at the Emily Krzyzewski Family Life Center, with players from both schools’ current men’s and women’s teams participating.
Both marching bands will perform in Blue Devil Alley before entering the stadium, and they will perform the national anthem together before the game as well as splitting the halftime show.
It is also Duke’s homecoming contest. Recognized on the field will be the 2009 ACC champion men’s basketball team along with Duke’s 1989 ACC champion football team, with coach Steve Spurrier – now at South Carolina – and 1989 ACC player of the year Clarkston Hines scheduled to attend.
Tickets remain available for the game, and can be ordered at (919) 681-2583 or at www.GoDuke.com/tickets.
