Commissioner McClellan, today, welcomed FAMU into the SWAC and said that “while most people view the SWAC as football conference, we are that, but we are so much more. We are a basketball, softball, baseball conference, and with the addition of FAMU, I would dare say we are a super conference”.
“Every major Division HBCU from Texas to Florida is now a part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” McClellan added. “Every major HBCU band from Texas to Florida is a part of the SWAC.”
In 2019 SWAC average home football attendance was 19,000 fans per-game. The Top 5 major HBCU football classics are now all SWAC. FAMU, only makes the SWAC stronger, McClellan said.
"You are joining a robust family in the SWAC, and you are only going to add to that, " he said.
With the addition of FAMU, and Bethune-Cookman, the SWAC now includes 12 universities with a footprint that stretches from Florida to Texas. Today, marks the first time the SWAC has expanded in 22 years.
"The addition of these two historic institutions of higher learning undoubtedly makes all of our institutions stronger," added McClelland. “A significant number of SWAC member institutions have enjoyed long standing history of competition against both universities in several sports; most notably football.”
“We feel the new rivalries that will be forged significantly enhances our conference’s brand in all phases and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome all of Wildcat Nation and Rattler Nation to the Southwestern Athletic Conference.”