EDMOND – The University of Central Oklahoma is hosting Langston for a Week 1 football game at Chad Richison Stadium Sept. 7, renewing a historic rivalry between the two schools separated by just 28 miles with an action-packed day full of promotions and highlights.
UCO and Langston played against one another for the first time in 1956 and played every season for 30 years. The rivalry continued in the 1990s as Central transitioned into Division II. The last time the two squads faced off was 1999, the 38th meeting in 44 years.
Now 25 years later, the two schools finally meet again.
The festivities begin Saturday, Sept. 7 with tailgating from both UCO and LU fans on both the east and west sides of Chad Richison Stadium. Langston's Marching Pride Band, which has nearly 300 members, will be making their way into the stadium before kickoff and will also be providing a thrilling halftime show. UCO's Stampede of Sound, with more than 100 members this fall, will also perform pregame and at halftime.
Two Super Bowl Champions will be on site as well next Saturday, as three-time champion Keith Traylor represents UCO, and Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson represents Langston as special guests for the coin toss. Traylor, who played for the Bronchos from 1989-90, won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and one more with the New England Patriots. Henderson, who starred at Langston in the 1970s, won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1977.
Following the game, a custom drone show will light up the sky north of Chad Richison Stadium and fans are encouraged to remain in their seats for the 12-minute show that will begin just moments after the final whistle.
Tickets can be purchased online today. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the first 4,000 fans inside the stadium will receive a UCO/LU co-branded koozie courtesy of Pepsi, the official game sponsor.
