Savanah State University (SSU) is among four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Georgia and Alabama who will debut a refurbished football field this fall thanks to grants totaling more than $6.5 million from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF).

The work at T.A. Wright Stadium on the SSU campus, completed during the week of August 15, included the installation of a new turf and upgrades to the drainage system to improve field quality, safety and accessibility to community groups.

The invitational grant, open to selected HBCUs in Georgia and Alabama, was supported by the National Football League Foundation and managed by Local Initiatives Support Corporation. The funding was distributed among Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Miles College and SSU.

“The positive impact of athletics is a driving force throughout our portfolio of businesses,” said AMB Sports and Entertainment CEO and AMBFF Associate Board Member Rich McKay. “Arthur Blank and his Family Foundation recognize and prioritize community impact through sport, and supporting these historical institutions is a natural extension of our values. We are honored to partner with LISC, the NFL Foundation and these universities to enhance the playing surfaces, with the shared goal of creating more opportunities for the students and surrounding communities alike.”

Opio Mashariki, SSU director of athletics, said, “We are very grateful to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the supporting organizations for this project, which has allowed us to make field improvements that increase student safety and enhance community accessibility.”