North Carolina Central Eagles Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Trei Oliver

Team Mascot: Eddie the Eagle

Year Opened: 1975

Capacity: 10000

City / State: Durham / North Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

North Carolina Central Eagles vs North Carolina A&T Aggies

Rival Team: North Carolina A&T Aggies

North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central are separated by only 55 miles along I-85 meaning you’ll find lots of both teams fans at the game when these two meet. The Aggies have gotten the better of the Eagles over the years holding a 49-34-5 lead in the all-time series, but you’ll always be in for a show when attending a North Carolina A&T-North Carolina Central game.

North Carolina Central Eagles Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

North Carolina Central fans love to arrive at the stadium early and enjoy some tailgating before the game. All around the O’Kelly Riddick Stadium, you’ll see fans grilling out and drinking with friends and family. Eagles fans especially love to prepare barbecue, so come prepared to enjoy delicious ribs and pulled pork sandwiches when attending a North Carolina Central tailgate.

The fans at North Carolina Central are quite friendly, and you’ll have no trouble making new friends here in Durham. Bring something to share, and you’ll make plenty of new friends due to the friendly atmosphere throughout the tailgate.

Tailgating at a North Carolina Central game is an excellent way to meet fellow Eagles fans and make friends, so get here early to enjoy the pre-game festivities.

Traditions

Homecoming Parade

When attending the homecoming game, make sure to arrive extra early to see the homecoming parade. The parade is the perfect way to kick off an Eagles game day and will get you ready to cheer on NCCU to victory.

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Where to tailgate

North Carolina Central Eagles Stadium Guide

In Game

O’Kelly Riddick Stadium may not be the biggest or fanciest stadium, but Eagles fans do an incredible job of packing the place on Saturdays in the fall. The fans at North Carolina Central are a big part of what makes attending an Eagles game such a fantastic experience. Everyone in attendance is very friendly and is more than willing to talk ball with you during the game.

North Carolina Central is also home to a fantastic band and dance team, who arguably steal the show from the football team at every game. The Marching Sound Machine pump up the crowd and keep the tempo high throughout the game, while the Underground Legendz will dazzle you with their show-stopping dance routines making a trip to O’Kelly Riddick Stadium a memorable experience.

You’ll have a lot of fun attending an Eagles game, so start planning your trip to Durham today.

Things to check out

Marching Sound Machine

North Carolina Central is home to a fantastic marching band. The Marching Sound Machine will entertain you throughout the game with their performances, and the pregame and halftime show are always some of the best parts of the game. Enjoy the music provided Marching Sound Machine at NCCU football games.

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Underground Legendz Dance Team

The Underground Legendz will dazzle you with their routines and are a must-see part of any Eagles game. Don’t leave your seat when you see the Underground Legendz take the stage.

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Eddie the Eagle

Don’t miss the NCCU mascot Eddie the Eagle when taking in a game at O’Kelly Riddick Stadium. Eddie gets into all kinds of shenanigans throughout the game making a fun part of any Eagles game.

NCCU Cheerleaders

The cheerleaders keep the crowd pumped up throughout the game by leading them in cheers and chants. Join in and help give the Eagles as much of a home field advantage as possible.

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Fight Songs

  1. NCCU Fight Song

    We are the fighting Eagles
    Our Majesty will soar high
    There’s victory for you and me
    When we show our Eagle Pride.

    Fight! Fight!

    Our mighty campus we have here
    Our spirits will ring free
    For we are the fighting Eagles
    Dear ole NCC!!!!

  2. Alma Mater

    The sloping hills, the verdant green,
    The lovely blossoms’ beauteous sheen
    Surround our college proud and gay,
    Where wave our colors, Maroon and Gray.
    What matters it how far we roam?
    Our thoughts will oft return to home,
    And hearts will e’er be true to thee,
    Our Alma Mater, N.C.C.

    Refrain: 
    Then Rah! Rah! Rah! For our colors so gay!
    Dear old N.C.C.’s Maroon and Gray;
    Thy sons and daughters will honor thee,
    Dear old N.C.C.

    We’ve gathered here to fit our lives,
    As from the darkness light revives,
    So let us hail, both night and day,
    Our glorious colors, Maroon and Gray.
    We’ll ever love and honor thee,
    For thou hast taught us loyalty.
    Then let our watchword “service” be,
    To Alma Mater, N.C.C.

    You send us forth with hearts of love;
    So like a blessing from above,
    And from the path we’ll never stray,
    Our dear Alma Mater, Maroon and Gray.
    We’ll work and fight, we’ll win our way.
    When duty calls, we shall obey.
    And may we e’er return to thee,
    Our Alma Mater, N.C.C!

North Carolina Central Eagles Bars & Restaurants

  1. Blue Note Grill

    Blue Note Grill

    The Blue Note Grill is one of the Triangle’s premier live-music venues, complete with a full-service restaurant and bar.

    709 Washington St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  2. Skewers Bar & Grill

    Skewers Bar Grill Ts Lounge

    Good vibes, great people, and a fantastic list of drinks.

    1013 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  3. Devine’s Restaurant & Sports Bar

    Devines Restaurant Sports Bar

    Devine's has a fun vibe that is perfect for parties, special events, a relaxing meal, a hang out with friends, a cold beer, an escape from campus, late night munchies, live music and taking in the big game.

    904 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  4. West End Billiards

    pool hall West End Billiards

    The area's largest wine by the glass selection, great beers, and well crafted mixed drinks.

    601 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  5. Alley Twenty Six

    Alley Twenty Six

    A local cocktail bar and restaurant located in Durham, N.C. featuring upscale food and cocktail pairings in a relaxed setting.

    320 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Pinhook

    Pinhook

    The Pinhook is a pretty nice venue for live music, dance parties, basic chilling, and collaborative/ creative events.

    117 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub

    Bull McCabes Irish Pub beer

    Great atmosphere, awesome food and drinks, and a fun staff.

    427 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  8. Counting House

    Counting House

    A showcase for high-quality seasonal ingredients, Counting House celebrates North Carolina’s rich heritage of fresh seafood with menus that feature rotisserie and roasting techniques.

    Hill Building, 111 Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  9. Bar Virgile

    Bar Virgile

    A unique bar with artfully crafted food and beverages in downtown Durham.

    105 S Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Toast

    Toast

    Toast is a paninoteca, or authentic Italian sandwich shop, much like those found in the towns and cities throughout Italy.

    345 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Pizzeria Toro

    Pizzeria Toro

    An Italian inspired, wood-fired pizzeria.

    105 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  12. The Parlour

    The Parlour

    We make incredible ice cream by hand.

    117 Market St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  13. Taberna Tapas

    Taberna Tapas

    Amazingly flavorful food and good service.

    325 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  14. Mellow Mushroom

    Mellow Mushroom

    Serving Stone Baked Pizza, Calzones, Hoagies, Salads, Vegan & Gluten-Free options with a wide selection of beer since 1974.

    410 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  15. Federal

    Egans

    It's not just any neighborhood bar, one that served simple but fantastic food, that would exceed expectations.

    914 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    919-680-8611

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

    Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

    Fresh, locally-sourced food meets casual.

    280 S Mangum St #100, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    919-937-9909

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$