11th annual Freedom Classic at Historic Grainger Stadium

The Kinston Lenoir County Parks and Recreation will host the 11th annual Freedom Classic from March 5, 2021 through March 7, 2021 at Historic Grainger Stadium located at 400 E. Grainger Ave in Kinston. 

“We are excited to have the Air Force and Army in town. They have brought almost 300 family members of the players here,” said Bill Ellis, former Kinston Lenoir County Parks and Recreation director.

The first pitch for the first game today (Friday) has been moved to 5:00 pm and gates will be open at 3:00 pm. The Freedom Classic will feature the Air Force Falcons versus Army Black Knights. 

“With the cooler temperatures, it made sense to move the hour up for an additional hour of daylight for the game, so the temperatures would remain constant,” said Ellis.

The game on Saturday will begin at 2:00 pm and the game on Sunday will begin at 12:30 pm.  

The two teams have faced one another 29 times with the Air Force leading 20-9. The series began back in 1974 with a 5-3 Falcon win at West Point. This marks the 10th season Air Force will play against a Service Academy rival in Kinston with each of the previous nine Freedom Classics having been against the Navy.

Before Saturday’s game, F15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will do military flyovers. Military Appreciation and pre-game ceremonies will be held 20 minutes prior to each game. 

Concessions and souvenirs will be sold at the stadium.

The stadium capacity is limited at 1023 spectators due to covid regulations. Masks are required for entry into the stadium. For more information on ticket sales please call (252) 939-3338 or email Josh.bass@ci.kinston.nc.us.