Four historically Black universities take the field at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia this weekend, a year after a single HBCU game filled the Eagles’ stadium with 47,266 people. Lincoln University plays Virginia Union on Friday night. Delaware State plays Norfolk State on Saturday.
The crowd last year was for Delaware State and Norfolk State. This year the city and the Eagles doubled the bill and built a week of events around it.
Friday’s game carries its own weight for Lincoln, a university in Pennsylvania that has not played in Philadelphia in 16 years. The Lions are rebuilding after an 0-10 season and hold a 1-16 all-time record against Virginia Union. Lincoln is the home team at the Linc, and the city’s schedule has the game running from 7 to 10 p.m., with Ludacris scheduled for halftime. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is a Lincoln alumna.
“One Philly HBCU Week is about celebrating the excellence, history and traditions of our HBCUs while creating opportunities for the next generation,” Parker said in announcing the lineup. After last year’s game she said it “was a tremendous success, drawing 47,266 fans and showcasing the excellence, pride, and tradition of HBCU athletics.”
Two former teammates, on opposite sidelines
Saturday’s game is a rematch between two men who once played together for the Eagles. DeSean Jackson coaches Delaware State. Michael Vick coaches Norfolk State, the home team this time.
Delaware State won last year’s game 27-20. The Hornets finished 8-4 in Jackson’s first season as head coach, which earned him Coach of the Year honors and a contract extension through 2028. Norfolk State went 1-11 under Vick.
“Coming back to Lincoln Financial Field never gets old for me, this is a place that holds a lot of special memories,” Vick said. Jackson said of his program: “We are not putting any limits on our potential. And we are not resting on that potential either. There is no replacement for hard work.”
The week started Monday with a clergy appreciation event and has included a high school and community battle of the bands and a collegiate choir competition. Saturday’s game is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and a battle of the bands runs that morning. Tickets are required for both games.
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