Central State opens season against Kentucky State at Classic for Columbus on August 28
Central State University and Kentucky State University will kick off the 2021 football season on August 28 in the inaugural Classic for Columbus.
The game features a CSU-KSU rivalry dating back to 1947 with CSU leading the all-time series, 36-23-1.
Due to the global pandemic, Central State did not participate in athletic competition during the 2019-2020 season. CSU Director of Athletics
Tara A. Owens expressed gratitude and excitement about Central State's return to the field in August.
"We have been anxiously waiting for the day when we can safely return to competition," Owens says. "With a new staff led by head coach Bobby Rome and a roster full of re-energized and motivated student-athletes, we can't wait to represent and showcase Central State University at the Classic for Columbus."
Rome II, who was named Central State's head coach in February of 2020, will make his CSU coaching debut on August 28.
"It is an exciting time for Central State football. We have spent the time away from the field recruiting and developing talented and versatile players who possess championship mentalities and unmatched passion for the game of football," Rome says. "The Classic for Columbus is a great opportunity for us to return to action in a world-class venue. Central State is a program and a university that's on the rise and we look forward to kicking off our season on August 28
th in Ohio Stadium."
Senior linebacker
Kailen Abrams, a two-time Don Hansen All-America selection, echoed his new coach's excitement for the upcoming season.
"We are all ready to be back out on that field again," Abrams says. "It has been difficult being away from the game. We have all made sacrifices and persevered to get to this point and I am thankful for the opportunity to finally be able to compete and play alongside my teammates."
In addition to the football game, there will be over 20 other CFC associated events and activities held throughout the week beginning on Wednesday, August 25. Event organizers are hoping to draw an audience from a 350-mile radius to the City of Columbus.
Tickets for the Classic for Columbus available online at -Â
https://am.ticketmaster.com/buckeyes/ism/MjFDQ0ZC?promoCode=Q1NVQUxVTQ==
Game Details
Date: Saturday, August 28th
Kickoff: 3 pmÂ
Venue: Ohio Stadium – Columbus, Ohio
Visiting Team: Kentucky State
Conference:Â
SIAC
2019 Overall Record: 7-3
2019 SIAC Record: 3-3
Head Coach: Charlie Jackson (Second Season)
Â
Home Team: Central State Marauders
Conference:Â
SIAC
2019 Overall Record: 3-7
2019 SIAC Record: 2-4
Head Coach:
Bobby Rome II (First Season)
Coverage
Listen on Gem City Sports Network -Â
https://www.gemcitysports.com/radio-1/
Live Stats (provided by Ohio State)Â -Â
OhioStateStats.com
All-Time Series
CSU currently owns a 36-23-1 advantage in the all-time series with the only tie coming in 1957.
Last Meeting
November 9, 2019 - Kentucky State defeats Central State, 34-28.
Â
Admission & Parking
Price: $20 - $50
Purchase tickets online at -Â Â
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05005AC2FFB1337A
Seating map available on -Â
https://classicforcolumbus.com/map
Parking in most lots will be $10. For parking information, visit -Â
https://classicforcolumbus.com/parking-info
Tailgating guidelines can be reviewed on -Â
https://classicforcolumbus.com/tailgating
Â
Additional Information for Fans
Masks – Students, faculty, staff and visitors to all Ohio State campuses and medical facilities are required to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are required outdoors for unvaccinated individuals when they cannot maintain physical distancing. Vaccinated people are not required to mask outdoors.
Payment Methods - All transactions at Ohio Stadium will be "cashless." Credit/debit card payment will be accepted at parking lots, concession stands, etc. As a reminder, all tickets can be purchased online and downloaded to a mobile device for scanning.
Game Tickets – Most Central State vs. Kentucky State game tickets will be digital and will be displayed on fans' mobile devices. Fans should download the Ohio State Buckeyes App to access their tickets. Only tickets generated through the Ohio State Buckeyes APP or Ticketmaster App will grant entry into the game. Screenshots will not get you into the game. Ohio Stadium gates will open at 1:30 p.m.
No Bag Policy – Ohio Stadium has a no bag policy. Small bags, no larger than 5x8x1 inches will be permitted. All oversized bags will need to be returned to your vehicle before entering Ohio Stadium. Guests with medical or childcare needs will be permitted to carry one bag, no larger than 14x14x4 inches, into the stadium through one of these two locations: the Band Center entrance between Gates 10 and 12, or the Press Entrance between the Huntington Club and Gate 23.
Metal Detectors – All Ohio Stadium entry gates will be equipped with the latest technology in walk-through metal detectors that guests will need to pass through for entry. Fans will not need to empty their pockets unless instructed by stadium security. For a complete list of permitted/prohibited items, please visit Ohio State's Ohio Stadium Game Day web site.
Inclement Weather -Â The safety of fans and visitors is our number one priority and The Ohio State University Department of Athletics is prepared to communicate with fans when inclement weather interferes with events at Ohio Stadium. Guests may carry umbrellas into Ohio Stadium for use before and after the game, but umbrellas are NOT permitted to be opened in the seating areas of Ohio Stadium.
Classic for Columbus Events
For a full event calendar, please visit -
https://classicforcolumbus.com/featured-events#faq
Â
Â
Â
Central State University Columbus Alumni Chapter
In collaboration with the mission of the Classic for Columbus, the CSU Columbus Alumni Chapter serves as a network and resource for fans in attendance throughout the week. For more information, visit - https://csualumnicbus.com/
Presenting Sponsors
  Â
Â
Â
