Tennessee State University Tigers

𝓒𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓚𝓪𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮 𝓐𝓻𝓶𝔀𝓸𝓸𝓭 —𝓥𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓮𝔂𝓫𝓪𝓵𝓵

Catherine Katrelle Armwood established herself as one of the most dominant defensive players in Tennessee State volleyball history during her remarkable career from 2002-05. A cornerstone of the Tigers’ success, Armwood capped her senior season in 2005 by becoming the first TSU volleyball student-athlete to earn Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors three times in a single season, receiving the award on Sept. 12, Oct. 24, and Nov. 14. Her historic campaign included a school-record 46 digs in a three-set victory over Eastern Kentucky on Oct. 21, 2005, a performance that still ranks seventh in OVC history for single-match digs. Armwood-Gordon consistently anchored a Tiger defense that helped Tennessee State post a 22-11 overall record and capture the OVC regular-season championship with a 14-2 conference mark. Throughout the season, she delivered numerous standout performances, including 34 digs against Southeast Louisiana, 24 digs versus UT Martin, and 21 digs against Austin Peay. Upon graduation, Armwood-Gordon left Tennessee State as the program’s all-time leader in digs with 1,691 career digs, a testament to her consistency, toughness, and impact on the court. Her record-setting achievements, conference recognition, and leadership remain among the most distinguished accomplishments in the history of Tennessee State volleyball.

John A. Merritt Classic tickets are on sale NOW! Visit johnmerrittclassic.com to purchase tickets, book your hotel and get updates on events and more!

Happy Father’s Day!

🚨 BIG BLUE NATION — THE WAIT IS OVER. 🚨
The official seating map for the 2026 John A. Merritt Classic has arrived.

For the first time since 1982, Tennessee State and Jackson State will meet at FirstBank Stadium as one of the greatest rivalries in HBCU football returns to Nashville.

🐅 TIGER vs. TIGER
📍 FirstBank Stadium
📅 August 29, 2026
💻 Online ticket sales begin Monday, June 22, at 9:00 a.m. CST at TSUTigers.com/Tickets.

✅ SEASON TICKET MEMBERS — don’t worry! Your John A. Merritt Classic seats will be reassigned based on the viewpoint and location of your current Nissan Stadium season ticket seats. Once your seats have been reassigned, you will receive email communication with your new seat location and ticket details.

✅ PARKING
There will be no advance parking passes for this event. Parking is managed through third party vendors at surrounding garages and lots near First Bank Stadium - and available on game day on a first come, first serve basis.

✅ TAILGATING
John A. Merritt Classic tailgates will be managed through Vanderbilt University’s third-party vendor, Revel XP, and will not be sold through TSU Athletics. Information specific to Revel XP event reps, pricing and additional details are forthcoming soon!

✅ PREMIUM SEATING & SUITES
The demand has been incredible 🔥. We’ve already received more than 600 suite and premium seating inquiries.

With only a limited number of premium spaces available, TSU Athletics and FirstBank Stadium are working diligently to finalize inventory and pricing. Premium seating and suite information will be released in July.

✅ HOST HOTEL — The official John A. Merritt Classic hotel is Loews Vanderbilt.
And if you haven’t booked your room yet, now is the time. Click the link in the bio for more information or call (800) 235 - 6397 and reference John A. Merritt Classic. Reserve by July 29 for the discounted rate!

Jackson State has made it clear this is their travel game of the season.

Nashville, we’re on the clock.

This isn’t just another football game.

This is The Rivalry Returns.

🎟️ Book your room.
🎟️ Buy your tickets.
🎟️ Wear your blue.
🎟️ Be there.

Tiger Fans! the John A. Merritt Classic has new socials! Follow us to stay locked in on events!

UPDATE: TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! See the official statement below.

TSU Athletics, in collaboration with our stadium and event partners, are finalizing seating allocations and ticket inventory for this highly anticipated event. To ensure the best possible fan experience and accurate tickets can be purchased today, Monday, June 15 - Thursday, June 18 - in person at the TSU Ticket Office located inside the TSU Gentry Center at 3645 Dr Walter S Davis Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209 or by phone at (615) 963 - 7627.

The University will be closed on Friday, June 19 to observe the Juneteenth Holiday. Sales will resume, Saturday, June 20 online at tsutigers.com/tickets.

Tiger Fans! Roar City is hitting the road this summer. Come out and connect with TSU coaches, alumni, fans, and the Big Blue community at a city near you!

Memphis, you’re up first! Are you ready? 🐅🏈.
Come meet the coaches, connect with fellow alumni and fans, and get excited for Tigers Athletics Season at Roar City Memphis!

Big Blue Energy is touching down in 901💙!

See you tomorrow! ⏰ 6p | 📍Southbrook Towne Center

🏈 SINGLE GAME TICKETS ARE ALMOST HERE.
The wait is over — starting June 1, you can secure your seats for every big moment of the 2026 TSU Football season.

🔥 Homecoming
🔥 The John A. Merritt Classic
🔥 Family Weekend
🔥 Rivalries. Traditions. Big Blue Energy.
Whether you’re coming for the atmosphere, the band, the legacy, or the football — this season is one you do NOT want to miss.

🎟️ Single Game Tickets On Sale: June 1

📍 Nissan Stadium + Hale Stadium

💻 www.tsutigers.com/tickets

📞 (615) 963-ROAR

BigBlue JohnAMerrittClassic

2026 SEASON TICKETS ARE ON SALE 🔥
It’s time to lock in your seat for every moment this season.

Don’t miss the energy, the hits, and the touchdowns at Nissan Stadium.

🏟 6 home games including  John Merritt Classic vs. Jackson State | Homecoming vs. Morgan State. Swipe to see where you could be sitting this fall.

Secure your seats now: tsutigers.com/tickets