Historic night under new LED stadium lights puts spotlight on Tuskegee University and Alabama Power partnership

Tuskegee University students, faculty, alums, trustees and fans marked a milestone on September 6, celebrating the first night home game at Abbott Memorial Stadium, illuminated by new LED stadium lights provided through a partnership with Alabama Power.

The Golden Tigers also delivered a decisive performance, shutting out Central State 34-0.

Jonathan Porter, senior vice president of Customer Operations at Alabama Power and a Tuskegee University trustee, summed up the evening proudly: “Tuskegee’s legacy of excellence was shining brightly throughout the game, and Alabama Power is proud to be a part of this new era of the Tuskegee experience.”

Not only did Alabama Power’s Energy Services department install the stadium lights, but it also completed mechanical upgrades to the Emeries, lighting upgrades to the Kresge Center and is conducting an ongoing evaluation of other facilities across the campus.

Ralph Williams Jr., vice president of Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division and director of the company’s HBCU engagement, said Alabama Power is intentional about creating opportunities for all the company’s business units to support HBCUs.

“Alabama Power’s partnership with HBCUs often comes in the form of scholarships, mentoring, internships and jobs for students,” he said. “But this was a unique opportunity to help provide infrastructure upgrades, and we are excited about all the ways this one project will pay dividends for Tuskegee University.”

University President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Brown said, “We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Alabama Power as we continue to enhance every aspect of the student experience on our campus. Our September 6 home game was a transformational moment not only for Tuskegee Athletics but for the entire university and community.”

National Tuskegee Alumni Association President Rev. Dr. James P. Quincy III summed up the historic night with one word: “Exciting.”

Quincy joined a steady stream of fans who made their way to Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium for Tuskegee’s first-ever home night game. As evening turned to night, generations of students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters basked in the bright glow of the new LED stadium lights.

Whether they were hugging and catching up, cheering on the players, jamming in the Shed with the Golden Pipers or enjoying funnel cakes the size of a dinner plate, thousands of fans were on hand to witness history.

“It’s a great new experience for everybody, to bring people together,” said Aloni Lewis, a sophomore business major from Houston, Texas. “The lights definitely add to the experience, 100 percent!”

While the Golden Tigers delivered a decisive victory, the lights punctuated each touchdown and pumped the energy to new levels.

A 1970 graduate, Otis McDaniel, remembers what it was like to be on the field years ago.

“We didn’t have the lights, and we didn’t have the turf, but we earned every point, and we earned them well,” said the former Tuskegee defensive end and 2006 Tuskegee Hall of Famer. “My hat is off to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen.”

For Kyla Robinson, a freshman nursing major from Tampa, Florida, her memories of Tuskegee football will begin with this historic night. “It’s my first football game!” she said. “Everyone is doing a great job. The lights look amazing.”

Ruby Powell Smith is a 2014 alum.

“I did not miss a game when I was here and wouldn’t have missed this,” she said. “I have always supported Tuskegee and continue to support financially, as well. I love what Dr. Brown is doing.”

Brown said the night was about more than lighting up the field.

“These enhancements elevate both the practice and game time experience for our football, baseball and softball athletes,” he said. “We will continue to seek excellence always – on the field and in our classrooms as we train our students to solve the world’s most complex problems.”

This article was originally published on the Tuskegee University website.