Social Media Release

The 56^th Annual Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship is scheduled for Dec. 17 in Rome, Ga. Rome-Floyd County and Shorter University will host the event at Barron Stadium for the fourth-straight year. The event will be televised live on CBS Sports Television with kickoff slated for 4:30 p.m. EST.

The regular price for game tickets is $25 although the host committee is offering a limited time discount for $15. Game tickets are available for purchase from The Forum by calling (706) 291-5281 or by visiting www.forumevents.org.

“We want to encourage fan participation in this year’s event so we are offering discounted tickets for a limited time,” said NAIA Host Committee Chair Bob Berry. “Fans who purchase tickets between now and Dec. 1 can get game tickets at a cost of $15 each. The NAIA Championship is a wonderful family event, and we want to help make it an affordable option.”

2011 Championship Series Fun Facts

• Defending national champion Carroll (Mont.) holds six NAIA National Championships, which ties former NAIA member Westminster (Pa.) for the second-most all-time.

• There are nine repeat programs from the 2010 FCS First Round.

• There are two teams appearing in their first-ever Football Championship Series.

• With one more victory, Carroll would earn its 37^th postseason win and set the all-time mark. In 19 previous trips, Carroll is 36-13.

 • Four teams are making their 10^th or higher trip to the Football Championship Series.

• Of the teams that have made at least one previous trip, St. Francis (Ill.) is the only program searching for its first victory.

Other Events to Look Forward to During Championship Week

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Champions of Character Luncheon

John Cryole was a former University of Alabama National Championship defensive end for the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. At 19 John felt he had been given a gift to work with young people. His dream was to have the best children’s home in America. On the advice of Coach Bryant, John pursued that dream instead of a pro-football career. Over 1,800 children have called Big Oak Ranch their home since 1974.

Champions of Character

In accordance with the NAIA’s Champions of Character program, the players will attend four Rome / Floyd County schools to meet with the youth of this area. The Champions of Character program was developed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and provide practical tools for student-athletes, coaches and parents to use in modeling exemplary character traits.

Georgia’s Rome features many attractions of interest including Berry College, Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum, Chieftains Museum, Myrtle Hill Cemetery, Rome Braves baseball, numerous Civil War sites and a charming Victorian downtown. Rome is also the site of the NAIA Football National Championship as well as numerous tournaments and annual events.

For information on Georgia’s Rome and Floyd County, contact the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau at402 Civic Center Drive.  Call 706-295-5576 Visit online at www.romegeorgia.org.