Tuskegee University debuts new LED lighting at Abbott Stadium tonight, kicking off 100th homecoming weekend

Tuskegee University Trustees, faculty, alumni, students and fans will mark a milestone tonight by celebrating the installation of new LED lights at Abbott Stadium.

The celebration will include a light show, synchronized to music, kicking off the 100-year homecoming weekend for the Golden Tigers.

Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin thanked Alabama power to install the lights and train staff on how to operate them.

“This is more than lighting up a field. These lights will help Tuskegee’s student-athletes prepare for football, baseball and softball,” Ruffin said. “And it positions our team to host playoff games on campus together with championships!”

Ralph Williams Jr., vice president of Alabama Power’s Birmingham division and director of the company’s HBCU engagement, said these wins don’t come by accident. Alabama Power’s engagement strategy is intentional about creating opportunities for all of the company’s business units to support HBCUs, he said.

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

“Alabama Power’s partnership with HBCUs often comes in the form of scholarships, mentorships, internships and jobs for students,” Williams said. “However, because HBCUs have not always been supported at the right level, there are opportunities to help provide infrastructure upgrades, and we are excited about all the ways this one project will pay dividends for Tuskegee University.”

Abbott Stadiumwhich holds 10,000 spectators, opened in 1925 and will host the university’s 100^th homecoming game this weekend against Miles College. The stadium is named after former Tuskegee Tigers football coach Cleveland L. Abbott.

After a short program beginning at 6pm tonight, the stadium lights will be switched on for public viewing for the first time. Homecoming starts at 1 p.m. Saturday, and depending on the stream of play, it could be the first game to finish under the new lights.

“Lights on the pitch mean more than night games; it enhances our students’ Tuskegee experience as we continue to upgrade the university with the latest equipment that they can be proud of,” said Mark BrownPh.D., Tuskegee President and CEO. “Thank you to our alumni who supported this initiative. Thank you to Trustee (Jonathan) Porter (Senior Vice President of Customer Operations at Alabama Power) and Alabama Power. We are always grateful for your continued support.”

Tuskegee University will debut its new LED stadium lights at 6:00 PM tonight, kicking off his 100th homecoming weekend. (contributed)