The Inaugural Gulf Coast Challenge HBCU Football Game Announced

Feb 2nd, 2018

Mobile, AL - The inaugural “Gulf Coast Challenge Powered by the Mobile Sports Authority” football game will be held on September 22, 2018 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, it was jointly announced today by officials of the Gulf Coast Challenge (GCC) and the Mobile Sports Authority (MSA). The inaugural game will feature the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs hosting the Southern University Jaguars in a Southwest Athletic Conference showdown. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 PM.  It’s expected that thousands of students, alumni, and football fans will be in attendance for several days of tailgating, entertainment, fun, food, and action.

“College Football is a huge event and having the opportunity to host two of the largest HBCU Football teams in the South speaks volumes for our city. The Gulf Coast Challenge will add to the many attractions that Mobile already has to boast about as football fans flock to the City to partake in the events for that week,” said Tim Hale, Executive Director of the GCC. “We are very excited to be hosting another HBCU-football weekend in Mobile this fall. With the excitement that both Southern University and Alabama A&M will bring, we expect this event to be one in which fans of both schools will not want to miss as we’re putting together a fun-filled weekend of events for all to enjoy,” stated Danny Corte, Executive Director of the Mobile Sports Authority. 

Tailgating is slated to begin the morning of game day leading up to the kickoff at 4 PM. The game will be preceded by a week of festivities to include a Kickoff Party in the Park, College and Career Fair, Pep Rally, and the GCC Parade. There will also be events for Alumni and Dignitaries to attend. Details will follow soon about those events. Tickets for all events are available at various ticket outlets and sales will open in early April. Please visit our website www.thegulfcoastchallenge.com or call 251-281-8202 for more information.

In addition to launching the Gulf Coast Challenge Powered by the Mobile Sports Authority, Mobile was introduced to their mascot, "Mardi", today. Mardi will be seen at various events around town in the near future as the game draws near. 

About the Gulf Coast Challenge: As the mission of the GCC, it is vital that the lives of people be enriched by providing cultural events and entertainment in a way that will promote engagement, education, and unity within our communities. The Gulf Coast Challenge, through various sports activities, aims to present opportunities for people to participate in sports activities beyond a local level, which will instill pride and appreciation for our communities, while promoting respect for other communities. A portion of the proceeds will be donated for various scholarships.

 About the Mobile Sports Authority The Mobile Sports Authority (MSA) is a non-profit sports commission formed in 2008 by the Mobile County Commission. The main mission is to create a positive economic and public relations impact for Mobile County, the City of Mobile, and the region through attracting, hosting, managing and supporting sporting events. MSA is the main point of contact for sports and sports-related activities for the Mobile County area.  For more information on MSA, please visit www.mobilesportsauthority.com.