Nov. 8, 2007
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Team Hardin County will host the 52nd Annual NAIA Football National Championship game on Saturday, December 15, 2007, at Jim Carroll Stadium in Savannah, Tennessee. Gates open at 10 a.m. (CT) with kickoff slated for noon.
"I am confident Team Hardin County will host a memorable and exciting event," said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. "Savannah has proven itself as a tremendous site for student-athletes and spectators to enjoy great college football and continue the outstanding tradition of the NAIA."
Jim Carroll Stadium has been the home of the championship game since 1996 and has hosted every championship game from the time the NAIA merged its two divisions of football in 1997. In 2006, in front of 5,805 fans, the University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) recorded a 23-19 victory against the University of St. Francis (Ind.). Currently Sioux Falls is the No. 1 team in the nation for the ninth straight week and now owns a 22-game winning streak and holds a 39-point, average margin-of-victory.
Only 16 teams will qualify for postseason play and all teams must be ranked in the Top 20 in order to make the Football Championship Series. The two teams vying for the national championship title will have to advance through first round competition (November 17), quarterfinal competition (November 24) and semifinal competition (December 1) leading up to the championship game in Savannah, Tennessee in mid December.
The duo advancing to the title game will have an active schedule once the participants arrive in Tennessee. Team Hardin County is a strong supporter of the NAIA`s Champions of Character program and ensures the teams are engaged with the community throughout the week leading up to Saturday's showdown. Activities include classroom visits with local youth, a historic tour and sponsor luncheon. Teams will culminate pre-game activities at the Banquet of Champions on Friday, December 14, at the Pickwick Inn Convention Center. Friday night festivities will include the player of the year and team of character honors. Fans may order tickets to the banquet for $25 by calling 1-800-552-3866.
The NAIA has sponsored football since 1956, when its first championship in the sport was held in Little Rock, Ark. Savannah has had the longest continuous run as host of the event. Currently 90 NAIA institutions sponsor the sport of football.
The 2007 NAIA Football National Championship game will be televised live on College Sports Television. General admission tickets to the game can be purchased in advance for $12 by calling Team Hardin County at 1-800-552-3866 or at the gate for $15. Parking at Jim Carroll Stadium is $2. To learn more about NAIA football click here.
NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.
Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.
