NC Central Eagles
Overview
Stadium: O'Kelly–Riddick Stadium
League: NCAA Division I FCS
Head Coach: Trei Oliver
Team Mascot: Eddie the Eagle
Year Opened: 1975
Capacity: 10600
City / State: Durham, North Carolina
Rivalries & Top Games to Attend
North Carolina Central Eagles vs North Carolina A&T Aggies
Rival Team: North Carolina A&T Aggies
North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central are separated by only 55 miles along I-85 meaning you’ll find lots of both teams fans at the game when these two meet. The Aggies have gotten the better of the Eagles over the years holding a 49-34-5 lead in the all-time series, but you’ll always be in for a show when attending a North Carolina A&T-North Carolina Central game.
North Carolina Central Eagles Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
North Carolina Central fans love to arrive at the stadium early and enjoy some tailgating before the game. All around the O’Kelly Riddick Stadium, you’ll see fans grilling out and drinking with friends and family. Eagles fans especially love to prepare barbecue, so come prepared to enjoy delicious ribs and pulled pork sandwiches when attending a North Carolina Central tailgate.
The fans at North Carolina Central are quite friendly, and you’ll have no trouble making new friends here in Durham. Bring something to share, and you’ll make plenty of new friends due to the friendly atmosphere throughout the tailgate.
Tailgating at a North Carolina Central game is an excellent way to meet fellow Eagles fans and make friends, so get here early to enjoy the pre-game festivities.
Traditions
Homecoming Parade
When attending the homecoming game, make sure to arrive extra early to see the homecoming parade. The parade is the perfect way to kick off an Eagles game day and will get you ready to cheer on NCCU to victory.
Where to tailgate
The Eagle Alley
The Eagle Alley is where you’ll find some of the best tailgates on game days. However, you need to be an Athletic Department donor and a season ticket holder to tailgate here.
Lincoln Street lot
If you’re a season ticket holder, but not a donor, then the Lincoln Street lot is a great place to reserve a season tailgating pass. You’ll meet lots of fellow season ticket holders here giving you an excellent opportunity to tailgate with the same people throughout the season.
The Pit
Those of you who only want to tailgate for one game will want to do so in The Pit. North Carolina Central offers season passes for The Pit as well, so get your spot early before the lot fills up.
North Carolina Central Eagles Stadium Guide
In Game
O’Kelly Riddick Stadium may not be the biggest or fanciest stadium, but Eagles fans do an incredible job of packing the place on Saturdays in the fall. The fans at North Carolina Central are a big part of what makes attending an Eagles game such a fantastic experience. Everyone in attendance is very friendly and is more than willing to talk ball with you during the game.
North Carolina Central is also home to a fantastic band and dance team, who arguably steal the show from the football team at every game. The Marching Sound Machine pump up the crowd and keep the tempo high throughout the game, while the Underground Legendz will dazzle you with their show-stopping dance routines making a trip to O’Kelly Riddick Stadium a memorable experience.
You’ll have a lot of fun attending an Eagles game, so start planning your trip to Durham today.
Things to check out
Marching Sound Machine
North Carolina Central is home to a fantastic marching band. The Marching Sound Machine will entertain you throughout the game with their performances, and the pregame and halftime show are always some of the best parts of the game. Enjoy the music provided Marching Sound Machine at NCCU football games.
Underground Legendz Dance Team
The Underground Legendz will dazzle you with their routines and are a must-see part of any Eagles game. Don’t leave your seat when you see the Underground Legendz take the stage.
Eddie the Eagle
Don’t miss the NCCU mascot Eddie the Eagle when taking in a game at O’Kelly Riddick Stadium. Eddie gets into all kinds of shenanigans throughout the game making a fun part of any Eagles game.
NCCU Cheerleaders
The cheerleaders keep the crowd pumped up throughout the game by leading them in cheers and chants. Join in and help give the Eagles as much of a home field advantage as possible.