ORLANDO, Fla. – The 29th Annual Florida Classic presented by State Farm is back for another weekend loaded with fun-filled and tradition-rich festivities. The Classic weekend kicks off this Friday, November 21st with the State Farm Battle of the Bands at the Amway Arena. The annual rivalry game between Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University wraps up the weekend on Saturday, November 22nd at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. This year’s game in particular has some big implications. With this being both of the schools last game of the season, the Rattlers (8-3) and the Wildcats (8-2) are equally counting on a win to help their chances of post season play. The game will open with FAMU’s “Marching 100” and gospel/ soul singer Kelly Price performing the national anthem.
Here is a timeline of events for Classic weekend:
-Thursday, November 20th Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Corporate Scholarship Luncheon
-Friday, November 21st Coaches’ Luncheon
-Friday, November 21st AARP Hosts: An Evening with the Presidents
-Friday, November 21st State Farm Battle of the Bands
-Saturday, November 22nd Florida Classic presented by State Farm
In addition to the weekend’s two main events, the State Farm Battle of the Bands and the rivalry game, there’s a lot more that the Classic has to offer.
“The Florida Classic presented by State Farm is much more than just a game,” said Joey Walters, director of the Florida Classic. “With all of our ancillary events and some of the new things we’re doing this year, it’s more like a celebration of these two great institutions.”
One of the new things with the Classic this year is that the AARP Hosts: An Evening with the Presidents has changed from a traditional gala –type event to a more “Old Hollywood” style, cocktail and social event. This event will be held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla. and will be hosted by non other than Tom Joyner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Joyner, also known as the “Fly Jock” will kick off the event by introducing the presidents of B-CU and FAMU. He will also conduct Q&A sessions with the two presidents later on in the program. In addition, there will be video highlights form each of the two respective schools showcasing their many successes.
Friday’s Coaches’ Luncheon will be open to the general public for the first time ever this year. For a price of $25 fans will get to hear from the coaches and school dignitaries, while getting to see football players from each of the two schools showcase special talents during the program.
Another new aspect to the Florida Classic presented by State Farm is the addition of the Uprights Club, the ultimate ticket for gameday. Fans will be able to enjoy the game up-close and personal as they will be sitting on the actual field in the North end zone. For $200, fans will receive V.I.P. treatment in a climate-controlled tent just a few yards from the action. The tent will be complete with a plush lounging area, flat screen TV’s, top-shelf open bar and premium catered carving stations. Fans will also have the choice of sitting outside the tent in tiered individual seats.
Also, the classic is having its annual Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Corporate Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, November 20th at the Ballroom at Church Street. The purpose of this luncheon is to show support for education as proceeds will benefit scholarship opportunities at both B-CU and FAMU. The event features presentations from both school’s presidents and draws Orlando’s leaders in politics and business.
For more information, visit either
www.floridaclassic.org, or contact Florida Citrus Sports at 407.423.2476.
Posted By: Jon C.
Wednesday, November 19th 2008 at 10:22AM
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