Down East Viking Classic

Elizabeth City State University administrators, Dr. Claudie Mackey and Dr. Edward McLean, brought the idea of a football classic to Former ECSU Board of Trustees Chairman, and City of Rocky Mount Assistant City Manager, Charles Penny for consideration. After discussion and review by the City Council of Rocky Mount and former Mayor Frederick Turnage, Elizabeth City State University, under the leadership of former Chancellor Mickey L. Burnim, and the City of Rocky Mount entered into an agreement to host the Down East Viking Football Classic in Rocky Mount, NC. The inaugural game was held in September 1998. Since that time, ECSU and the City have maintained their partnership, hosting the Classic each year.

The Down East Viking Football Classic has grown each year drawing over 10,000 fans to the Rocky Mount Athletic Complex. Fans have the opportunity to enjoy a CIAA football game, golf challenge, college and regional high school bands, and a variety of social and entertainment activities. Through additional recruitment and outreach activities, ECSU also offers scholarship opportunities for students in the Rocky Mount-Nash-Edgecombe-Wilson areas.