MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State University Department of Athletics announced on Tuesday theme games for the upcoming 2017 football season, including the Labor Day Classic: A Marion Nine Invitational and the Turkey Day Classic.
 
The 2017 football season begins with the Labor Day Classic: A Marion Nine Invitational on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. against Tuskegee. The Marion Nine were former slaves who had been working to provide an education for the black children of Marion. One of the men, Alexander H. Curtis, was the driving force for the school to be organized as the Lincoln Normal School, and on July 18, 1867, papers were filed with the probate judge of Perry County incorporating the Lincoln School in Marion. Prior to the game members of the 2016-17 SWAC Championship teams will be recognized.
 
The second home game of the year is on Sept. 16 as Kennesaw State University comes to town for Greek Night. Members of Greek letter organizations are encouraged to wear their colors and gear at ASU Football Stadium. Kickoff against the Owls is set for 7 p.m.
 
The third home game of the season kick starts the beginning of Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play on Sept. 23 with Connection Day as Prairie View A&M University comes to town with a 7 p.m. kickoff. Connection Day grants prospective students a closer look at the University. The event is an excellent opportunity for high school students and college transfer students to take a closer look at Alabama State. Parents are also encouraged to attend. 
 
The fourth game of the season is Community Night on Oct. 5 as Alcorn State University visits Montgomery. Alabama State wants to welcome the community out, including our first responders, to ASU Football Stadium. Also the Hornets will recognize Breast Cancer in honor of women and Prostate Cancer in honor of men. Alabama State is proud to partner with Susan G. Komen to help educate fans and bring awareness to the worthy cause. Kickoff against the Braves is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and can be seen live on ESPNU. For special group rates for Community Night, please contact the ticket office.
 
The fifth game is Military Appreciation Day on Nov. 11 as Grambling State University comes to town. Alabama State University will honor the men and women who bravely served our country by dedicating a game to them, appropriately on Veterans Day when the Hornets take the field with a 2 p.m. kickoff against the Tigers.
 
The home schedule concludes on Nov. 23 with the 94th Annual Turkey Day Classic as the Hornets welcomes Cheyney with a 2 p.m. kickoff. The Hornet seniors will be also be introduced for the final time in front of the ASU Football Stadium faithful as part of Senior Day. The Homecoming court will parade onto the field and the 2017-18 king and queen will be announced during halftime.
 
Tickets are still available and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets by calling the Alabama State University box office at (334) 229-4551 or (334) 229-8479. Fans may be able to purchase tickets online by clicking here or by clicking here.  
 
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