NAIA Representatives Plan Site Visit for Football Championship

July 17, 2008 – In preparation for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ (NAIA) National Football Championship, hosted by Rome-Floyd County and Shorter College on December 20, two representatives from the NAIA will be in Rome on Monday, July 21, and Tuesday, July 22, to review progress made to date in planning for the game. This will be the first site visit from the NAIA since their first visit in July of last year during the bid process.

“We think the NAIA will be very excited about the changes made to Barron Stadium and the preparation and effort that has already taken place for the 2008 championship,” said Shorter College Athletic Director Bill Peterson. “Bob Berry and the rest of the host committee have done a superb job in getting ready for the game.”

Following arrival and a brief tour of Rome on Monday, the representatives will review Barron Stadium, site of the 2008 and 2009 games, on Tuesday morning. At 10 a.m., they travel to the Darlington School practice facilities, after which they will be available for media interviews from 11:30 a.m. to noon at Darlington’s Yancey Suite, located in the Huffman Center. The city’s hotel and banquet facilities will also be reviewed before their departure in the afternoon.

In the past year, Barron Stadium has undergone several renovations. The whole facility has been repainted including side stands, concession and restroom areas, and a brick layer has been added around the track area. Additionally, the press box was renovated to include increased media seating, and expanded radio and television space.

“We tip our hat to the city, the county, and Richard Garland of the Parks and Recreation Department for the changes that have truly made Barron Stadium a championship venue,” added Peterson. “This effort also wouldn’t be as strong without the help of Darlington School and both its incoming and outgoing athletic directors, Bob Stinchcomb and Jerry Sharp. Their support in providing what we believe are the best practice facilities in the country gives us confidence that this will be one the finest events in the country.”

####