The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Athletics Department invites fans, media, alumni, supporters, and community members to attend the official 2026 Natural State Kickoff Classic Press Conference as we kick off one of the most anticipated HBCU football matchups of the season.
Join us as representatives from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions and the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers officially preview the inaugural Natural State Kickoff Classic, a Week 0 showdown scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, at historic War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Hear directly from UAPB Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Robinson, Head Football Coach Alonzo Hampton, Morehouse Director of Athletics Harold Ellis, and Head Football Coach Brad Sherrod as they discuss the upcoming season, the significance of this inaugural matchup, and what fans can expect when two of the nation’s proudest HBCU football programs take the field to open the 2026 season.
Event Details
📅 Monday, July 13, 2026
🕥 Doors Open: 10:30 a.m.
🎤 Press Conference: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
501 East Ninth Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
This event is free and open to the public. Fans, alumni, season ticket holders, donors, corporate partners, and members of the media are encouraged to attend as we officially launch the countdown to the inaugural Natural State Kickoff Classic.
