Alabama A&M kicks off Sam Shade era with a bang

NORMAL — The Sam Shade era at Alabama A&M started off with a bang Saturday in the Bulldogs Maroon & White spring game Saturday.

A 75-yard touchdown bomb from Cornelious Brown IV to Miles College transfer Franck Pierre opened the scoring as the White team rolled to a 38-16 victory at Louis Crews Stadium.

“I thought from start to finish from the beginning of spring to now, the guys played with great effort and understand how we want them to play every time we touch the field,” Shade said. “We came out of the spring without many serious injuries.”

The scoring play got the White team off and running – just what the first-year is planning.

Shade said he wants the Bulldogs to play fast, and that first play was just an indication of what we could possibly see this season.

“The offense started fast with that touchdown and that was huge,” Shade said. “On the defense, we’re being aggressive right now. That’s the type of defense we want to play, but want to limit some of those mistakes.”

Alabama A&M opens the 2025 season Aug. 30 with a trip to Fayetteville, Ark. to face SEC opponent Arkansas. The Bulldogs will return home the following week for the 15^th Annual Louis Crews Classic as AAMU plays host to Alcorn State.

Season tickets are on sale and can be purchased online at Hometown Tickets – Alabama A&M Athletics (aamusports.com) or at the AAMU Ticket Office at Louis Crews Stadium.

Reserved season tickets are $200, which includes parking. General admission season tickets are $135, parking is not included.

AAMU faculty and staff, Bulldog Club, alumni and military can purchase season tickets for $190. Children ages five and under are admitted for free.

The AAMU Ticket Office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact the ticket office at 256-372-7255 or 256-732-7254.