If you like black college football, don’t miss this week’s Commemorative Classic between Johnson C. Smith University and Livingstone College.
The game will be played Saturday at Livingstone’s Alumni Stadium in Salisbury.
The Classic was established to celebrate the birth of black college football in 1892, when Biddle Institute (now Johnson C. Smith) defeated Livingstone in the first game ever played between black schools.
Organizers say their goal to make the annual game a regional event. They compare its potential economic impact to that of the CIAA basketball tournament.
Originally scheduled for Charlotte, the game was moved to Salisbury when engineers discovered structural damage underneath the Qcity’s Memorial Stadium.
See schedule of events below:
FRIDAY, October 2
Lecture – Michael Hurd, author, “Black College Football 100 Years“
Events & Hospitality Center Livingstone College
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
FREE
Hall of Fame Dinner, guest speaker, Donnie Shell
Grimes Lounge, Johnson C. Smith University
Charlotte North Carolina
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets $50 Call 704.957.3092 to purchase
Kickoff Party
First Fridays Charlotte Presents: The Official Commemorative Classic Weekend Kickoff Celebration, co-sponsored by Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce
Featuring Biz Markie & Celebrity Friends, DJ Freedom, and the Uptown Swagga Band
Location: Cans @ 500 West 5th St., Charlotte, NC
Time: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
For more information: 1.866.388.4TIX or www.ticketannex.com (limited pre-event tickets)
SATURDAY, October 3
Tribute at historic 1st game marker
Front Lawn, Price Hall Livingstone College
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Free
Lawn Festival
Front Lawn Livingstone College
HBCU Football Players and Hall of Fame Pavilion, Live Entertainment
11a.m. to 1p.m. and 4 p.m.to 6 p.m.
Free
Horse & Carriage Trophy Procession
Accompanied by Livingstone College Marching Band
Price Drive Livingstone College
Saturday Oct 3rd
11:30 a.m.
Free
Commemorative Classic Game
October 3rd 2009
1:00 p.m.
Alumni Memorial Stadium Livingstone College
Tickets: Adults $20. Students with ID $5. Children 6 years and younger FREE.
Purchase online at www.eztixx.com for adult tickets only. Student Tickets have to be purchased in person.
Pre-purchase available at Livingstone and Johnson S. Smith Cashier’s Offices.
Presidents Hospitality Pavilion
October 3rd 2009
12 p.m. to 4p.m.
Alumni Memorial Stadium
Invitation Only
Game Ticket required.
Post-Game Reception
October 3rd 2009
4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Events & Hospitality Center at Livingstone College
Invitation Only
After Party
Black Ice Entertainment Presents: The Official Commemorative Classic After Party, co-sponsored by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce
Featuring DJ Buttafingaz
Location: Club Ice @ 300 East Stonewall St., Charlotte, NC
Time: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
For more information: www.clubicenc.com
