"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 in the City of Tampa,” 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.”
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.”