Viking Football Classic to return to city

The Elizabeth City State University chancellor was in town to promote the 25th Down East Viking Football Classic, a weekend series of events that’s highlighted by a football game that pits the Elizabeth City State Vikings against another CIAA team.

This year, the Vikings will take on Livingstone College on Sept. 10 at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex.

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson called the classic one of his favorite events, recounting his time tailgating at last year’s event.

“Rocky Mount is excited to have you here,” he said. “And I want to thank you for the past 25 years.”

Roberson said the economic impact to the area during the event is substantial. Dixon echoed that sentiment when she talked about filling up hotels and restaurants that weekend.