Alabama State Hornets at UAB Blazers Football
Alabama State Hornets at Southern Jaguars Football
Miles College Golden Bears at Alabama State Hornets Football
Alabama State Hornets at Florida A&M Rattlers Football
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at Alabama State Hornets Football
Alabama State Hornets at Jackson State Tigers Football
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League: NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, Southwestern Athletic Conference
Home Games: New ASU Stadium
Conference Titles: 6
Head Coach: Donald Hill-Eley
All-Time Greats: Reggie Barlow, Brad Baxter, Earl Cochran, Michael Coe, Isaiah Crowell
Rivals: Alabama A&M Bulldogs, Tuskegee Golden Tigers
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The first official season for the Alabama State Hornets Football team was in 1901. Until 1912, the team remained independent. The team was part of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference from 1913 until 1975. The team moved to the Division II Independent Conference from 1976 to 1981. Presently, the team is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. All home games are played at the New ASU Stadium in Montgomery, Ala. The team has acquired six conference titles with its last one attained in 2004, when the team achieved a record of 10-2. The most anticipated game for Alabama State is arguably the one against its in-state rival the
Alabama A&M Bulldogs
. The game is held in Birmingham, Ala., and is called the Magic City Classic. At least 20 Alabama State former players have gone on to professional football careers in the NFL. Ricky Smith was drafted in 1982 and played for the
New England Patriots
,
Washington Redskins
and
Detroit Lions
. Greg Jenkins was signed as an undrafted free agent by the
Oakland Raiders
in 2013. To see an Alabama State Hornets football game, grab your tickets at StubHub.
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The new ASU Stadium is where students, alumni and fans can watch Alabama State Hornets’ football games. Located in Montgomery, Ala., the stadium seats 26,500 and saw its first game on November 22, 2012. It was the 89th Turkey Day Classic against the
Tuskegee Golden Tigers
with Tuskegee taking home the win. This game was a sell out and televised nationally. The design of the venue allows for further expansion of up to a capacity of 55,000. The stadium is a modern facility visited year-round that includes a restaurant and retail space.
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The Alabama State Hornets’ football head coach is Donald Hill-Eley. As former football player, he played at Virginia Union from 1987-1990. Hill-Eley's coaching career spans three decades. It began at
Virginia Union
in 1991. In 2017, he was named the interim head coach of the Hornets. Finally, he achieved the head coach position in 2018. As Alabama State Hornets’ head coach, Hill-Eley has a record of 9-8.
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The Alabama State Hornets football program has produced several notable former players. At least 20 players have made their way into the NFL through the draft including Reggie Barlow, Eddie Robinson and Jylan Ware. Robinson was a linebacker who was drafted by the Houston Oilers. In 2017, the Oakland Raiders drafted Ware. Defensive end, Earl Cochran, was an undrafted free agent that signed on with the
Green Bay Packers
in 2003.
''There is tailgating at Alabama State Hornets’ home games. The scene is fun, energetic and there is plenty of activities for fans. In the past, students, alumni and fans have filled out a form to pay up front fees and reserve spots. Fans can reserve single-game tailgate spots or can opt for a season pass. All the information needed to have a successful pregame party are included in the packet when fans sign up.'
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The top games to attend at the new ASU Stadium are when the Hornets play against Alabama A&M Bulldogs and Tuskegee Golden Tigers. Other notable teams that will be playing on Alabama State's home turf in 2019 include
Kennesaw State
, Grambling State and
Alcorn State
.
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