The Florida Classic, which will be played November 22 between in-state rivals Bethune Cookman University and Florida A&M University, is much more than just a football game. It is a bona fide spectacular event with family fun, social events, job fair, panel discussions and so much more. It is now the largest in state rivalry between any two black colleges or universities in the world. It has even surpassed the Bayou Classic between Southern University and Grambling in New Orleans. To date, more than 1.5 million people have attended this amazing rivalry, and once again students, alumnae and even those who attend neither school, will descend upon Orlando this year for the game and the array of activities surrounding the weekend’s events. This year, which is expected to be just as exciting and festive, is kicking off on Friday, November 21, with hordes of activities for spectators to choose from. In addition to the big game, the Battle of the Bands and other activities, this year there will even be a panel discussion among university presidents and administrators, which will be free and open to the public. You don’t want to miss the most brilliant minds, as some of the nation’s premier Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) leaders come together addressing critical issues facing HBCU’s. Join this sensational panel discussion on how you can help the plight of HBCU’s.

The history and rich tradition of the “Classic” has touched generations of people. Grandparents, parents, and now kids are still enjoying the rivalry for “bragging rights” in the Sunshine State! What is now known as “The Florida Classic,” actually commenced in 1978 in Tampa, but the series between the two rival schools actually started way back in 1925 when the teams played against each other for the first time. FAMU won that first game with a score of 25-0. But a year later, Bethune Cookman College (then BCC) won 12-0 in 1926. At one point the Rattlers won 19 straight games against their arch rivals, and the game drew ever-increasing crowds. It soon became apparent that their home fields were too small to hold the football spectacle. They had to abandon their home stadiums and move to bigger venues. In that first “Florida Classic’ held in Tampa, FAMU came from a 17-0 halftime deficit and went on to win the inaugural “Florida Classic” with a score of 27-17. The series took a hiatus in 1983 and 1984 when the two schools could not agree on a playing site. But public pressure from alumni, fans and state officials brought them back to the drawing board and negotiations resumed and the rivalry picked back up in 1985. The renewal of the rivalry was a thriller and Bethune Cookman won 31-27. The “Classic” moved to Orlando’s Citrus Bowl in 1997 when a rousing crowd of over 56,000 showed up for the big game. That was far more than had attended in Tampa. That number continued to climb and in 2003, the game saw its largest crowd ever, at over 73,000 attendees. To date, FAMU leads the series 21-11.

A capacity crowd of over 55,000 is expected this year – the biggest in recent years, as the game and its related events are sure to be a huge draw. This will be the first game of the series to be held in the New Citrus Bowl Stadium. Stadium features larger & more comfortable seating with seat backs, improved concessions, more club suites, party deck area, and video displays throughout the stadium so that the game is viewable from any location inside the stadium. It is sure to be a thriller as the comfort level has increased tremendously.

Below is the official slate of events for the 2014 Florida Classic between the Florida A and M Rattlers and the Bethune Cookman University Wildcats.

 

Friday, November 21:

Florida Classic Consortium Kickoff Luncheon presented by Florida Blue – 12 p.m. doors open, starts at 12:30 p.m. The luncheon is at the Rosen Centre Ballroom, 9840 International Dr. Orlando.

Individual tickets: (including lunch),

Table: $550 for 10 (eight guests and two football players)

Contact # for tickets to the luncheon is 407.423.2476

Florida Blue Florida Classic Career Expo and Diversity Job Fair

Students and working professionals are given the opportunity to meet top businesses and hiring companies from across Florida. The Expo also includes professional development and employment search seminars lead by recruiters and career experts.

Location: Amway Center, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., free

Florida Blue Battle of Bands

Get ready for crowd-pleasing dance teams, high-stepping drum majors, precision drumlines, and roaring brass sections.

Location: Amway Center, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $16

Premium: Official Florida Classic Pre-game Rooftop party presented by Coors Light

The official social event of the Florida Classic gets alumni, fans, and supporters ready with a rooftop party overlooking the Orlando metro and presented by Coors Light.

Location: The Plaza Penthouse, 121 South Orange Ave., Downtown Orlando, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Soundtrack: DJ M-Squared & Mannie Fresh

Tickets: HiddenAgendaOrlando.com

 

Saturday, November 22:

Pre-game FanFare

Before the game enjoy a fund day for the entire family to include music, fun games and activities for the entire family, health screenings, and vendors. Admission for game ticketholders only.

Gates open 9 a.m. until game time and free with game admission.

Pre-game day party in the stadium featuring a performance by 2 Chainz

Whether young or old, FAMU Rattler supporter or Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, the pre-game day party in the stadium gets fans ready for an energetic and exciting game and friendly rivalry. Grammy-nominated Hip Hop artist 2 Chainz performs during the pre-game day party. Free and open to game ticket holders only. Stay tuned for details on how to win VIP access to the pre-game day party.

Kickoff of Bethune-Cookman Wildcats vs FAMU Rattlers

Will the Wildcats take the title for the fourth year in the row or will the Rattlers break the Wildcats’ winning streak and claim bragging rights for the next year?

2 p.m.

 

Sunday, November 23:

State of the Florida HBCU: Pathway to Preeminence on Retention and Graduation

The weekend concludes with a panel discussion featuring Florida’s HBCU presidential leaders discussing best practices for common concerns as it pertains to retention and graduation for the broader community.

Rosen Centre, 10:30 a.m., free & open to public

Panelists:

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President, Florida Memorial University

The Honorable Nathaniel Glover Jr., President, Edward Waters College

Dr. Edison O. Jackson, President, Bethune-Cookman University

Dr. Elmira Mangum, President, Florida A&M University

Dr. Rosa Cintron, Researcher/Lecturer, University of Central Florida

Dr. John Michael Lee, Vice President, Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities