Is the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic the best classic in the country?

Every year HBCU fans debate who has the best classic. How do you decide? Best teams? Best battle of the bands? Best attendance or best parties? Much of that is subjective but there is no denying that The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic can stake its claim to the title.

With an average attendance over 50,000 and an economic impact of $30 million, the Classic is a major player by any criteria. But when it comes to style, the Bank of America Atlanta Football has something no one else can offer – Atlanta.  I have been told that of all the classics, this one is for the grown and sexy. 

Before we get into the grown and sexy part of the agenda, we would be remiss if we did not cover the mission of the event. The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic is the only classic where 100% of the proceeds go to non-profit and/or educational endeavors. The Classic is operated by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and helps to fund Project Success. Project Success is a post-secondary preparation and tuition-assistance program that is dedicated to mentoring inner city youth living in at-risk environments. The participating universities, Florida A&M and Tennessee State receive equal shares of the proceeds.

About the football, Tennessee State and FAMU have done battle in the Classic for 12 straight years with the Rattlers holding a 10-2 advantage over the Tigers. Not sure if this is the year the tide changes. TSU has a new coach in Rod Reed and beat Alabama A&M to start the season. Since then the Tigers have been on an 0-2 slide. The Rattlers lost early to the University of Miami. But the Rattlers are gaining momentum as they head into their conference show down with South Carolina St. If you haven’t been to the Georgia Dome before it has a unique set up called an open bowl. That means when you go to get a hot dog you can still see the field. What does this have to do with anything? Well if you are in your 20 or 30 somethings and could walk around and mingle with the beautiful people and still keep an eye on the action, what would you do? That’s right, welcome to world’s longest cat walk. If I was running the Classic I would look into a Prada, Gucci or Louis sponsorship. Kickoff is set for 3:30pm on Saturday, Sept. 25. The fashion show starts at 3:31pm.  I can’t tell you the exact time of the McDonald’s Halftime Show but I do know you don’t want to be late. TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands and FAMU’s Marching 100, not too much more needs to be said. There will be no walking on the concourse during this halftime show because everyone will be in their seat.

On Saturday, thousands of football fans will flock to the Georgia Dome to witness The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic. But starting today and through the weekend thousands will flock to Atlanta for the festivities. On Thursday, AlumniUnit.com will host Sweet Thursdays at Strip and JCarter’s 5pm Playground will be at Shout. On Friday, it’s Black Hollywood at Compound and Mingles at Strip. Saturday is the official after party, Sol-Fusion hosted by Doug E. Fresh. For a complete party listing, click here.

The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic makes sure to offer something for all its fans. Below is a partial listing of ancillary activities.

- Fan Experience: The ultimate tailgate party, this event will feature exhibits, games and entertainment for game attendees prior to kickoff. In the past, international recording artists have performed, food prepared by world–renowned chefs was made available.  New to the Fan Experience will be the Autograph Village. On Saturday from 9 am – 3 pm, ticket holders will have an opportunity to meet and greet some of their favorite celebrities prior to attending the game. Some of the confirmed attendees include Doc Shaw of  Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne,” R&B group Jagged Edge, Ray Lavender and Isaac Keys of “The Ultimate Merger,” and Yung Joc.  

- The AT&T Red Carpet: For the first time in its history, celebrity attendees will walk the red carpet at the game, giving fans a taste of Hollywood inside of the Georgia Dome. The red carpet will be active from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

- The Cupid Shuffle Challenge: In keeping with its tagline “History Happens Here” organizers of the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic will set out to break the current world record for the Longest Line Dance by encouraging attendees to participate in the “Cupid Shuffle Challenge.”

In addition to the actual football game, The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic offers a host of special experiences that include a health fair sponsored by Abbott , a job fair presented by the Georgia Department of Labor, the donation of over 39,000 pounds of food to the Atlanta Community Food Bank by Tyson Foods and much more. 

For more information about The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic and to see a complete schedule of events or to purchase tickets, you can visit www.atlantafootballclassic.com.