PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Aug. 26, 2024) – As the anticipation builds for the 2024 football season, the Prairie View A&M Panthers are gearing up for an exciting home opener against Texas Southern in the annual Labor Day Classic on Aug. 31. With a 6 p.m. kickoff, Panther Stadium will be buzzing as fans gather to support the reigning Western Division Champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

At today’s press conference, the atmosphere was one of mutual respect and high expectations. Kevin Granger, the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics for Texas Southern, emphasized the importance of this game, stating, “This game kicks off football. At the end of the day, we’re all on one team trying to make our athletes successful. We want to win, but we also want to see our team succeed.”

Echoing this sentiment, Prairie View A&M’s Director of Athletics Anton Goff highlighted the strong bond between the two teams. “The respect between our teams is unmatched. We’re excited about this game and this team. We have two guys coaching teams who were teammates at one time. It doesn’t get any closer than that.”

TSU Head Football Coach Cris Dishman added that while the game is special, it doesn’t define the entire season. “This game is special, but it doesn’t make or break each other’s seasons,” he said.

Panthers Head Football Coach Bubba McDowell shared his excitement for the season opener, reflecting on the team’s preparation. “It’s been a long and exciting camp this summer. I feel really good about where we are, and we’re excited to go out Saturday and put it all together. Playing against a real good friend adds something special to this game.”

The Panthers’ upcoming season is filled with notable matchups, with all five home games being broadcast on ESPN+. After the Labor Day Classic, PVAMU will host Southern U. on September 21, followed by the State Fair Classic against Grambling State on September 28 in Dallas. The season will also feature key games against Arkansas Pine Bluff, Texas A&M-Commerce, Florida A&M, and Alcorn State, culminating in the Pepsi SWAC Football Championship on December 7.

Tickets for the Labor Day Classic are on sale now at PVPanthers.com. Don’t miss the chance to see the Panthers kick off their 2024 season!

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