Ettrick, Va. (Sept. 26, 2025) – The Trojan spirit is headed downtown! On Tuesday, September 30, during the lunch hour (12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.), Virginia State University's fall sports student-athletes and coaches will take over Downtown Petersburg to "Paint the Town Blue." 

Athletes from the football, volleyball, cross country, and soccer teams plus the Woo Woo cheerleaders will visit local businesses, connect with residents, and personally distribute football game tickets, schedules, and other VSU giveaways. The outreach effort is part of VSU Athletics' commitment to community engagement and growing Trojan pride. 

"I'm excited for our student-athletes and coaches to connect with the community, as this aligns with the NCAA Division II strategic plan's emphasis on community engagement. As a land-grant institution, Virginia State University has a responsibility to serve our community, and Trojan Athletics is honoring that by going into the community, engaging with citizens, and inviting them to campus to experience our outstanding student-athletes in action." said Associate Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes.