Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Leflore County official wants MVSU football games in Greenwood

GREENVILLE — Mississippi Valley State football games seem to be a hot commodity.
After announcing that the team would play their three home games 45 miles away from Rice-Totten Stadium — in Greenville — Greenwood officials are wondering why they didn’t have the opportunity to host the matchups.
“(MVSU) officials made a decision without talking to anyone for assistance,” said Wayne Self, president of the Leflore County Board of Supervisors. “We’re trying to get with them to see what (games) we can get back (to Greenwood)”
As of right now, three games will be held at Greenville-Weston High: the Oct. 2 homecoming matchup against Prairie View A&M, Oct. 23 versus Grambling and Nov. 13 against Alabama A&M.
Self said Greenwood would like — at least — the homecoming game in Greenwood.
“It would take a lot of revenue out of (Greenwood),” he said. “(MVSU) football games are all we have in this area. Now they’re talking about moving basketball games.” The Nov. 8 Valley basketball game against Delta State has reportedly been moved to the Greenville Convention Center. No confirmation was available by press time.
Self said Leflore County would probably have the games at Greenwood High, but anywhere in the county would be an improvement.
“It bothers me tremendously. It would impact a lot of people,” said Self. “(MVSU officials) just up and took it (to Greenville). From what I’m told, they said we don’t support Valley. Leflore County supports Valley, and then some.”
A call to MVSU President Donna Oliver was not immediately returned.
Washington County Alumni President Willie Sullivan said he has not been informed about the possibility of MVSU games moving to Greenwood.

UPDATE: A MVSU public relations representative contacted me Tuesday afternoon to confirm that no changes have been made to the three football games. As of now, they will be played in Greenville.

No comments: