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For the first time in over two decades, Virginia Union will play in an NFL stadium. The Panthers will travel to Lincoln Financial Field on October 31st to play CIAA rival Lincoln.
Over the past eight decades, Virginia Union has played in a handful of NFL venues ranging from ballparks to football-specific stadiums.
In 1935, Virginia Union and Hampton met at the famed Polo Grounds, longtime home of both the football and baseball New York Giants, for their Thanksgiving Day clash. The Pirates won 15-7 in front of 4,000 fans thanks to a 95-yard touchdown drive and blocked punt for a safety.
Eleven years later, the Panthers traveled to Philadelphia’s Shibe Park, the former home of the Eagles, to play Lincoln. Virginia Union would lose to the Lions 21-6 in front of 5,000 fans.
In 1948, the Panthers made their lone appearance in the Orange Blossom Classic. The Panthers' candidacy was dubious at best. Virginia Union notched a record of 4-5 when they received their invitation to the Orange Blossom Classic ahead of their season finale against Hampton.
The Panthers were the backup opponent for undefeated Florida A&M, which wanted to play fellow undefeated squad Wilberforce. However, Wilberforce opted to play in Norfolk’s Fish Bowl.
Nevertheless, the Panthers shocked the Black College Football world by dominating the Rattlers 39–18. Virginia Union ran for 348 yards in the win in front of 18,000 fans.
Four years later, Virginia Union played Morgan State at Griffith Stadium, the former home of the Washington Senators & Redskins. The Bears beat Virginia Union 6-0 on a 17-yard touchdown pass from George Williams to Irvin Locust in front of 15,436 fans.
It would be nearly five decades before Virginia Union would play at another NFL venue. In 2001, the Panthers won the CIAA Championship and a spot in the Pioneer Bowl at the Georgia Dome, the former home of the Atlanta Falcons. Virginia Union finished 8-2 for their only SIAC title over the next 22 years.
They faced SIAC Champion Tuskegee. The Golden Tigers won 28–0, holding the Panthers to 131 yards and four completions on 15 passes. A paltry 7,652 fans witnessed Tuskegee’s defensive masterclass.
This list comes with a caveat, since the Panthers played in the 2023 and 2025 Black College Football Hall of Fame Classics at Canton's Benson Stadium. Despite having never hosted an NFL team, the stadium hosts the preseason Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
Virginia Union won the 2023 game 45-13 over Morehouse, thanks to 147 rushing yards and three touchdowns from Jada Byers. The Panthers won again in 2025, beating Miles 45-3, with that year’s Harlon Hill Trophy winner Curtis Allen running for 185 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Virginia Union will add another stadium to their short list of NFL venues. Hopefully, they will have better luck than most of their previous appearances at these venues.
Mark Pollak’s book, The Playing Grounds of College Football: A Comprehensive Directory, 1869 to Today was an integral aid to my research.
