New York City Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba welcomes the 36th Annual New York Urban League Football Classic to the New York Metropolitan area on Saturday, September 23. The Classic will feature Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) rivals Hampton University (VA) vs. Morgan State University (MD) at Giants Stadium. Proceeds from this event will benefit the educational and athletic programs of Hampton University and Morgan State, the Whitney M. Young Scholarship Fund and education programs of the New York Urban League. The event proceeds from past Football Classics have helped the New York Urban League, in conjunction with their corporate and university partners, award over $400,000 in scholarships.

"I am delighted to welcome Hampton University and Morgan State University for the 36th Annual New York Urban League Football Classic," said Commissioner Podziba. "The Football Classic not only showcases the great rivalry between these teams, but also acts as a wonderful platform to provide thousands of students with educational opportunities through the promotion of the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund and New York Urban League educational programs."

A spectacular Halftime Extravaganza will feature Hampton University's 220-piece band, Morgan State University's 210-piece band and a special performance by the renowned Brooklyn Steppers--formally known as the "Jackie Robinson Steppers" of Brooklyn, NY. A vendor's marketplace will also be held at the stadium from 10am until 8pm. The renowned steel band Casym, R&B artists Chapter 4 and the Skydive Long Island are all part of the 3:00pm opening festivities preceding the game.

"The Classic offers a daylong extravaganza and a quality sports event for all fans in the metropolitan area," said Darwin Davis, President & CEO of the New York Urban League. "They'll be treated to a wonderful day of pure excitement at minimal cost."

In last year's Classic, Hampton defeated Morgan State by a score of 44-14 and in 2004 Hampton outlasted Morgan State by a score of 24-21 in a thrilling comeback. The 2006 game promises to be another great performance by these two teams.

Tickets can be purchased in the New York Urban League Offices in Manhattan at 204 W. 136th Street and in Brooklyn at 222 Thomas Boyland Street. In New Jersey, tickets are available at City National Bank located in Newark, Paterson & Hackensack as well as the Independence Community Bank in East Orange. Tickets can also be obtained at the Continental Airlines Arena and through all Ticketmaster outlets.

For Information and Group Discount Sales, please call (212) 926-8000 x154 or visit the New York Urban League website at www.nyul.org.

The New York City Sports Commission ensures the continuation and growth of a healthy environment for professional, amateur and scholastic sports activities in New York City. In recent years, the Sports Commission has played a role in attracting or creating many new sporting events, including the NFL Kickoff Live from Times Square, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series™ Champions Week, the BMC Software NYC Cycling Championship, the AVP Brooklyn Open, the NAUTICA NYC Triathlon, the NYC Half-Marathon, Let Freedom Run and The Wild Onion Urban Adventure Race.