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| Harold Wells of Whiteville, chairman of Campbell University’s Board of Trustees, helps kick-off the recent ground-breaking ceremony for Campbell’s new football stadium. Campbell will field its first intercollegiate football team since 1950 when it takes on Birmingham Southern on Aug. 30, 2008 at Buies Creek. Campbell University photo |
Whiteville entrepreneur Harold Wells was on hand for the official re-launching of Campbell University’s football program in true “explosion” style.
Wells, chairman of the Campbell Board of Trustees, spoke at the March 15 ground-breaking ceremony for the Camel’s new football stadium at Buies Creek.
An estimated 2,000 students, alumni, staff, trustees, advisors and members of the community turned out for the “Football Groundbreaking Explosion,” that included performances by the CU pep band and cheerleading squad, appearances by new and former Camel football players, and a thrilling fireworks display.
Campbell first fielded a varsity football team from 1925 to 1950. Camel fans have eagerly anticipated the return of the football program since its announcement in April 2006. Campbell will compete on the NCAA Division I-AA (non-scholarship) level and will compete against other similar non-scholarship programs on the Division I and non-I levels.
“On February 28, 2007, the executive committee of Campbell University’s Board of Trustees, in anticipation of football competition beginning in August 2008, affirmed the architectural plans and authorized commencing construction of the Campbell University Football Stadium Complex,” Wells said in his address.
Construction will begin shortly to prepare for the Camels’ first home game set for Aug. 30, 2008 against Birmingham Southern University.
According to Wells, the stadium complex will be completed in stages. “The first stage of construction, which is to begin immediately, will include the field, the field house, the main entrance, the bowl, seating for 1,200 and necessary road realignment. Second and third stages will include additional seating, press box, a second entrance, other amenities and, eventually, lights,” he said. Phase one is to be completed by August 2008.
Harold Wells of Whiteville, chairman of Campbell University’s Board of Trustees, helps kick-off the recent ground-breaking ceremony for Campbell’s new football stadium. Campbell will field its first intercollegiate football team since 1950 when it takes on Birmingham Southern on Aug. 30, 2008 at Buies Creek.