Fans Invited to Watch HU v. Florida A&M Game Online

Hampton, VA - Hampton University fans are invited to view the Pirates as they take on the Florida A&M rattlers and former HU head coach Joe Taylor online for free on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m.

Partnering with online broadcasting company Network Foundation Technologies, LLC (NFT) the HU Pirates football action can be viewed by fans all over the world.

NFT's unique video broadcasting solution incorporates a customizable, downloadable player that broadcasts content directly to the viewer's computer desktop. Fans can go to www.hamptonu.edu and click on the “View Pirate Football Live!” link.

The Chrysler Foundation is sponsoring the broadcasts of HU away games. More than 750 fans from all over the United States and 4 countries tuned in to watch HU v. South Carolina State on Oct. 25.

The Rattlers come into Saturday’s contest after defeating the Aggies of North Carolina A&T 45-7 and with an overall record of 7-3 and at 3-3 in conference play. The Pirates come into the game on a three-game losing streak and with a 5-4 overall mark and a 4-2 mark in MEAC play.

This match-up will mark only the sixth time that the Pirates and the Rattlers have met at Bragg Stadium on the campus of Florida A&M University. The Rattlers are at a slight advantage when playing at Bragg Stadium, winning three of the six meetings between the two teams.

This game will also mark the first time in 16 years, since his time at Virginia Union University, that Taylor will walk the sideline with a color other than Hampton blue and white.

This will be the 17th meeting between the Pirates and the Rattlers, with Florida A&M leading the all-time series 10-6. The rivalry dates back to 1937, when the two first met on the gridiron with the Rattlers coming out on top by a score of 35-20. Following that contest, the two teams would meet off and on over the next few decades until 1997, when the Pirates joined the MEAC. Since that time, the Rattlers have won seven of those 12 meetings, but Hampton has won the last three meetings between the two teams, including a 30-15 victory at Armstrong Stadium last year.

With the ability to reach large, geographically diverse audiences, NFT's platform is a viable solution for many content providers who want to deliver high quality, live television-style programming that is free of charge to viewers.

“We are excited to offer online live broadcasting to our fans,” said HU President Dr. William R. Harvey. “We recognize that streaming media is the new frontier that will offer significant exposure for our school's athletic program and sponsors.”

“We are proud to bring Pirate football to fans and alumni worldwide. Hampton University is one of the first collegiate programs to step in and embrace our innovative technology. The appetite for college sports has steadily increased, and we are excited to be able to offer this content,” said Marcus Morton, President of NFT.

NiFTy TV's emerging presence in the world of sports and events is strong. The company has ongoing partnerships with top sports leagues such as arenafootball2, USA Weightlifting, USA Judo and the Central Hockey League.

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