Just in time for the Golden Bears football season, Miles College announced its new state-of-the-art practice field is complete. An Arthur M. Blank Foundation grant made the project possible.

The grant was awarded as part of the HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program to improve field quality at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Georgia and Alabama. The initiative, funded by AMBFF and supported by the NFL Foundation, aims to enhance the safety and overall playing conditions for college athletes and youth programs in the community.

Golden Bear Gratitude

“This new field will not only benefit the football program but will also benefit our student intramural athletics and serve as a resource for the broader Miles College community and local youth programs,” says Miles College President Bobbie Knight. “The college remains committed to fostering an environment where students can excel both on and off the field. We offer our thanks to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.”

Dr. Steven E. Hairston, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Development at Miles College, played a crucial role in securing the grant, working closely with Athletic Director Fred Watson.

“We are appreciative of the Blank Family Foundation and LISC Sports and Recreation for their support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This practice field allows our athletes to have game day scenarios,” says Watson. “Miles College is thankful for the support and looks forward to the collaborations and opportunities.”

Dr. Hairston emphasized the importance of collective effort. “Our goal as an institution is to always provide the best for our students and to support them in every way possible,” says Hairston. “The collaboration between the Miles College Athletic Department and myself and the Office of Institutional Advancement and Development is a testament to the spirit of teamwork that defines Miles College. I look forward to witnessing the team practice under the lights on this remarkable field.”