PRAIRIE VIEW A&M SIGNS TWO-YEAR DEAL TO PLAY IN SHREVEPORT

PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS (March 19, 2010) The Prairie View A&M Department of Athletics has entered into a two-year agreement with the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority and State Fair of Louisiana which will provide the city with one football game each during the 2010 and 2011 seasons at Independence Stadium.

Prairie View’s first contest in the “Port City” will take place on Oct. 23, 2010 versus Southern University. The contest will be a reunion of sorts as both teams met in Independence Stadium during the 2003 campaign.

"The Shreveport Regional Sports Authority is privileged and proud to partner with Prairie View A&M University to host the Prairie View vs. Southern football game this fall,” said Shreveport Regional Sports Authority Executive Director Mary Ann Tice. “We are also excited to be able to partner with the State Fair of Louisiana to create a State Fair experience for Prairie View and Southern fans, students and alumni. We look forward to a long relationship with Prairie View A&M and it's fine leaders and student-athletes."

During the 2011 season, the Panthers will face Jackson State on Oct. 29.

Both games will take place during the annual State Fair of Louisiana, which is held on the grounds of Independence Stadium.

"The State Fair of Louisiana is very excited to be able to host a college football game featuring Prairie View A&M and Southern University during the 2010 State Fair,” stated State Fair of Louisiana President & General Manager Chris Giordano. “I look forward to working with Prairie View A&M University to make this an experience that the fans won’t forget. It’s been a long time since we have had a college football game during the State Fair and we hope that this is the beginning of a lasting partnership.”

Prairie View A&M Director of Athletics Fred Washington anticipates the move will be beneficial to both Prairie View A&M and the Shreveport-Bossier City area.

“PVAMU looks forward to working with the leaders and community in the Shreveport-Bossier City area to create a venue that the entire family can enjoy,” said Washington. “My experience with the city leaders, community and local fans over the past few weeks made it clear that together we can create something special.”

Shreveport, known as “Louisiana’s Other Side” due to its location and unique combination of Louisiana Cajun culture and East Texas cowboy heritage, boasts a variety of attractions ranging from casinos, shopping and fine dining. The city will host the upcoming SWAC Baseball Tournament in May and recently hosted the 2010 SWAC Basketball Tournament.

"I am thrilled at the prospect of the Prairie View Panthers playing football in Shreveport,” added Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover. “To do so against the Southern Jaguars makes it even more special. Add in a Louisiana State Fair weekend and we have a clear Classic in the making. Not just a game, but an event-filled weekend. I can't wait."