Blank Foundation gives $6.5 million to refurbish HBCU football fields in Georgia, Alabama

August 21st, 2024

Devon McCoy of Clark Atlanta University does a standing long jump during the historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) NFL Combine at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility in Metairie, Louisiana, on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

A prominent Atlanta-based foundation announced on Tuesday that four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will debut refurbished football fields this fall.

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation awarded over $6.5 million in grants for The HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program, which upgrades the quality, safety and accessibility of football fields at schools and community groups serving youth.

HBCUs across Georgia and Alabama were eligible to apply for the grant, and following a request for proposals, four were selected. Three of the schools — Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University and Savannah State University — are based in Georgia, with Miles College being the sole Alabama institution.

“The positive impact of athletics is a driving force throughout our portfolio of businesses,” said AMB Sports and Entertainment CEO Rich McKay in a press release. “Arthur Blank and his Family Foundation recognize and prioritize community impact through sport, and supporting these historical institutions is a natural extension of our values.”

The HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program is funded by the Blank Foundation, supported by The NFL Foundation and managed by Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

“The HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program is one of many ways the NFL is deepening its commitment to HBCU’s,” said Alexia Gallagher, executive director of The NFL Foundation. “We are excited to provide resources for student athletes at the selected institutions to play the game of football to the best of their ability while creating equal opportunities for all.”

Albany State plans to convert their natural grass football and soccer field at Albany State University Coliseum to turf, as does Miles College with its practice facility. Both Clark Atlanta and Savannah State will use their grants to replace the current turf at their respective campus stadiums.