FAMU Tampa Football Classic to be Played at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, September 16
Additional Classic Weekend Events Announced
May 11, 2017
TAMPA, FL – Florida A&M University (FAMU), Tennessee State University (TSU) and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission gathered to formally announce the FAMU Tampa Football Classic which will be held on Saturday, September 16 at 6 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. The Historically Black College and University (HBCU) classic football game will be a true clash of the titans, featuring two of college football’s storied programs.
"We are extremely excited to return to the bay Area with the Tampa Classic at Raymond James Stadium and look to continue our long-standing tradition of successful classic games through collaboration with our partners with Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission,” said FAMU Athletic Director, Milton Overton. “Our matchup against Tennessee State will prove to be an exciting contest reminiscent of legendary matchups between coaches Jake Gaither and John Merritt.”
The two teams have faced off numerous times since 1944, with the Tigers holding a narrow 30-24 edge over the Rattlers. Both programs rank in the NCAA Division I FCS Top Ten in all-time winning percentage, and the two schools have combined to win 22 Black College National Championships (FAMU 12, TSU 10). It’s a match-up that shouldn’t be missed.
Before the teams collide on the field, there will be an exciting series of events designed to welcome fans and engage the community.
On Friday, September 15, fans can join community partners, local business leaders and university officials for the FAMU Kickoff Luncheon. This energizing afternoon will feature a number of special guest speakers and provide attendees with a preview of the game and weekend events.
The FAMU Battle of the Bands will feature top marching bands performing energetic and dynamic routines for fans. This incredible event will also feature performances by our participating schools’ two elite bands, the FAMU “Marching 100” and the TSU “Aristocrat of Bands.”
Finally, the celebration continues on Saturday, September 16 at the FAMU FanFestwhere fans of both teams are invited to enjoy food, beverage and live entertainment all leading into kick-off of this exciting matchup.
“There is no doubt that the FAMU Tampa Football Classic will offer an exciting match-up on the field, but we are equally excited by this series of incredible fan events that will be featured throughout the weekend,” said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “We are thrilled to be welcoming FAMU and TSU fans to our community and to showcase all that Tampa Bay has to offer.”
Tickets for the FAMU Tampa Football Classic start at $38. Select seat locations are available now on Ticketmaster.com. All stadium seating locations will go on sale to the general public beginning on June 1 at 10 a.m. Fans can purchase premium seating before June 1 by signing up to become a FAMU Investing In Champions member. For more information on how to join, visit FAMUBuildingChampions.com. Additional details for each of the ancillary events will be released in the coming weeks. To learn more visit TampaFootballClassic.com and follow @SportsTampaBay on Twitter.