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DEL.ICIO.USThe HBCU experience
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Welcome to the HBCU experience, our look at what makes attending a football game at an historically Black institution more than a game.
Using Saturday’s Atlanta Football Classic matchup between Tennessee State and Florida A&M as an example, a contest involving two HBCU institutions is always much more than a game. Granted, the final outcome is extremely important for the combatants on the field - and those off the field who enjoy good-natured ribbing with their rivals.
But let’s keep it real - the parties, tailgating and step shows make the experience great, and the battle of the bands takes it over the top. And it’s always good to see how the old flame is holding up (or not) year after year …..
You can’t talk about HBCU Classics without mentioning the Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern in New Orleans. Thanksgiving weekend in Nawlins? Enough said. And the driving force of the Classic — the late great Eddie Robinson — was the first college coach to win 400 games and will be remembered as one of the best coaches and teachers in college history.
The Florida Classic between FAMU and Bethune-Cookman , scheduled for Nov. 22 at the Florida Citrus Bowl, has drawn more than 70,000 fans in each of the last seven seasons and has staked its claim as the nation’s largest game between HBCU schools.
While FAMU and TSU duel at the Dome, Morehouse takes its show on the road this weekend to play Prairie View in the Angel City Classic in Los Angeles. Closer to home, the Maroon Tigers and Tuskegee will meet next month in Columbus, Ga. in a Classic event that’s been alive and well for more than 70 years.
Not all HBCU games feature two or three-day weekends with corporate sponsors footing the bill, but most, if not all, feature an atmosphere in which everyone feels like family and it’s more than just a game — it’s an experience. On a somewhat smaller scale, long-time Atlantans can recall the sounds of the AU Center bands warming up early Saturday morning and the parades on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Please share some of your HBCU experiences - which Classic game is the best in your opinion (and why), who has the best bands among HBCU schools (and why) and what’s the tradition at your school that stands out among all others.
Send us your photos: Have any photos from any previous Atlanta Football Classic experiences that you would like to share? How about any other HBCU Classic games? Send us your photos by clicking here and following the instructions.
It’s all about you: In nearly 15 years at the AJC, I’ve been asked often about the coverage of black colleges - or lack thereof - at the newspaper. Now, you have an opportunity to let us know what you would like to see. As a former college sports editor now totally immersed online, I can bring print and digital experience to this forum — but it’s not about what I want you to see, it’s about what’s important to you. Let us know and let’s begin the discussion.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By JC
September 25, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
The best part is halftime!!! If you go to any other football game the seat empty at halftime. At this game, the concession stands will be empty. FAMU is in my opinion the best band ever. They can literally bring tears to my eyes.
By Brian H
September 25, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
I would like to see the Iocal HBCU’s highlighted online. I am an Atlanta native and grew up going to games at Clark College at the old Herndon Stadium. I would like to see a tab on the Sports page called Local Colleges that will feature Clark, Morehouse, Emory, Agnes Scott, etc,. The paper now has a tab for Georgia State. The Atlanta University Center (AUC) has a stronger following and greater history for athletics than GSU. I also believe that this could also promote some of the sporting events that many people in the metro area do not know about and can afford to attend on the college level. Please AJC start covering the HBCU’s and local colleges.
By Jim
September 25, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
The best classic is by far the Magic City Classic in Birmingham, AL between Alabama State and Alabama A&M. Alabama State has the best band out there.
By ACloud
September 25, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
That is a great point Brian….. The AJC should cover the AUC schools. The Atlanta classic is great if you are in the Atlanta area you have to attend it you will love it.
By noneya
September 25, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
They know what they are doing. Controversial dialogue on a blog, more page hits.
Proud TSU Alum. Have been to many classics. I consider this one to be a Second Homecoming. I haven’t really watched the game in years. Never make it to my seat. But this year I’m interested to see can we break the 6 year streak.
I’m So Glad I Went To TSU! Lets Go TSU!!!!
By JMac
September 25, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
It would be nice if the Atlanta Classic actually featured one of Atlanta’s HBCU’s in the game.
By Tareasa
September 25, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I am ready for the game, ready to see my Rattlers. If you have never seen the Marching 100 or even heard of them….YOU ARE MISSING OUT!!! It is time to see the best band in the entire world. Go Rattlers
By Jay Russ
September 25, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
This is actually probably going to be a pretty good game…TSU has not lost all year and FAMU is always a power in D-2 football.
People, please dont let Mark upset the apple cart with his post…The internet lets a lot cowards hide behind their keyboards…
GO TSU TIGERS!!!
By Rodney
September 25, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Hopefully V-103(wanda smith) won’t ruin the experience by talking during the timeouts… Please, let the bands play and save the talk for the radio..
By DHOUSE
September 25, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
It would be good to read more sports article on HBCU schools in the AJC. I do agree with Brain H there should be a tap for AU under sports in the AJC. I love all HBCU schools! Especially, my alma
GO MOREHOUSE TIGERS! “THE HOUSE”
By Dennis
September 25, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Jay, FAMU has not been Div.2 in over 30 years. FAMU is a D1 FCS school (Formally known as Div. IAA). Thanks.
By noneya
September 25, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
AJC used to have a section for local colleges and it covered the HBCUs in there. Don’t know what happened to it. TSU has had the good fortune of gaining several transfers from D1. This may be our year finally!
Let’s go TSU!
By os3
September 25, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Do not let internet blogging “trolls” try to ruin the fun; just ignore them and they will find another blog they will try to corrupt.
To all my Rattlers in the house, I feel another beat down of TSU.
By DOG THE MAN
September 25, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Its like going to your family reunion. You see old friends and feel like you never left at times. HBCUs are family!!!
By Rattler
September 25, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
“Rattler For Life!!!” Thank GOD for FAMU!! I look forward to seing all of my fellow Rattlers whether I know your name or not. I am excited about seeing the beautiful sea of Orange and Green. I want to feel the love, taste the food and enjoy the EVENT in HBCU sports. I know that our victory on Saturday will be enjoyed by many who have walked through Tucker Hall and those who have never visited ‘the Hill. FAMU brings out the best in who we are as a collective community and represents the Best of the Academic Experience. As far as our “MARCHING 100”, the countless awards tell the story. I look forward to seven consecutive victories!!!
Be safe this weekend!! Know that there will be those who desire to profit from our mistakes. Designate a driver, slow down and party hard.
As for as those from other HBCU’s who will attend our festive occasion, enjoy our display and see how it is done.
“When the dark clouds gather over the horizon, and thunder and lightning pierce the sky, and faith is but a glint in the eye of a fallen Rattler, and hope a long lost friend. When the sinews of the chest grow weary from those hardchaging linebackers and the legs grow tired from those hardcharging runningbacks, may their right hand forget its cunning, their tongues cling to the roofs of their mouths, as we remember that a Rattler will STRIKE, STRIKE,AND STRIKE AGAIN!!!
By Thomas
September 25, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
I have enjoyed watching the HBCU Classics over the years. They have grown in popularity and will continue to do so. That said, there is no “classic” that compares to The Bayou Classic in New Orleans. And I have to say, and FAMU knows it to be true: no one comes close to, “The Southern University Human Jukebox”. Many have tried but all know the truth.
By Jay
September 25, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Why not just have the band’s compete and have a football game at halftime?
Wow, I can see the play by play….”look, the tuba is open in the back, the trombone player rolls out…”
Be for real…..if the best part is the bands, then you don’t have good football!
By Micah
September 25, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Props to the AJC for putting this up.
I’m a proud Howard man who wishes his football team (…and basketball team) could get back to the level of success we enjoyed in the previous two decades. Until then I can at least enjoy the fun that The Showtime Marching Band and the students bring to our games.
Remember to keep supporting this kind of endeavor so that it will grow from here.
Feel the Might of the Blue and White…Go HU!
By JohnSims
September 25, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
FYI, Other races do attend this game. I’m Asian and have enjoyed the game for the past 5 years. No one is separating themselves or excluded. Anyone can go to the game, just go out and buy a ticket like everyone else does.
By TSU
September 25, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
GO TSU!!!
By TSU
September 25, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Yes FAMU your band maybe larger, but it’s not better. We have to understand that the bigger they are, the harder they fall.
With this being said, let me say… TS TS TS TSU Aristocrat of Bands TSU is the elitist of all bands..
Southern, who is that!!! Holler
If you want to see POSITIVE PEOPLE,come to the game. Race doesn’t matter. Let’s remember to keep this positive and let’s have FUN. All others that are jealous, please keep your comments to your self and contine to waller in your own self pitty. Our comments are made in LOVE, not hate. This is not the place. Love Us and join in the FUN or just move on.
By Blue Tiger
September 25, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
It would be nice if the Atlanta Classic actually featured one of Atlanta’s HBCU’s in the game.
There is a reason why these schools are in this classic it’s call fan base. Sorry AUC schools.
With that being said, TSU is going to kick FAMU’s Rattler. Go Big Blue
By zdawg
September 25, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Classic is a great showcase for HBCU football and I think the city of Atlanta has been an excellent locale for the game and all of its corresponding events. Also, I’d like to send a shout out to my Mighty Golden Rams of Albany State University as they go on the road this week to Benedict and try to extend our unbeaten streak to 4-0 We in Ram country are steadily moving on on our way to our fifth SIAC Championship in the last six years!! GOOOOOO MIGHTY RAMS!!!!!
By mecq
September 25, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
I’m a FAMU Rattler…4th generation.!!! With a 5th generation currently enrolled. It’s our proud legacy..!!!! My ancestors were college educated when Blacks were being lynched and mostly prohibited from recieving an education. The 1st generation became teachers and taught the subsequent generations of our family and the in communities they resided. All of which had to struggle to overcome insurmountable odds. I totally agree with Dennis in that if we judged all europeans by the deeds of thier ancestors we would have received our reparations by now. As the Japanese, Jews, have.!!!!! When the europeans have atoned for their transgressions and the disenfrachised have forgiven them our society will become more civil. Until then there will always be discontent among the masses.
By 84Hondarida
September 26, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
FAAAAAMUUUUUUU…FAAAAAAMUUUUU…FAAAAAAAM GODD**N UUUUUUU….
By Sportsmommy
September 26, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Golden Rams in the House… We have the best team, the best band and the best school… Also, we’re a part of what I think is the best classic which is the Fountain City Classic which matches ASU or ASC for the old heads like myself versus Fort Valley. Go Golden Rams!!!
By jd
September 26, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Homecoming at SC State in Orangeburg is the best. Not only do you smell your typical “que” on the grills, but fried seafood fills the air as well!
Can’t really remember the outcomes of any of the games however!!!
By JCSU
September 26, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
See, Johnson C. Smith is always the underdog, but we will beat St. Paul’s. We own them!
By Rattler
September 26, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
THIS EVENT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE REST, ONLY THE BEST!!!! F A M U!! Please don’t let any individual provoke negativity in OUR gathering. Unlike others, FAMU RATTLERS welcome all to be a part of Atlanta’s desire to serve us this weekend. For those of you who attended HBCU’s in other places, we will not hold anything against you. When your fan base gets larger enough, you can have your Classic at the DOME…
PLEASE BE SAFE THIS WEEKEND!! FAMU FOR LIFE!!
By pearl
September 26, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
I love HBCU’s and I think we need support them more, We need these colleges more than ever. And as for Football the HBUS’s need to invest in there own TV STATION SO THEY CAN BE SHOWN MORE ON TV. SOME GREAT PEOPLE HAVE FINISHED HBCU’s and I’M PROUD OF THEM,
IT’S NOT WHERE YOU GO, BUT WHAT YOU DO WITH IT.
By ASURAMS-02
September 26, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
HBCU Football is a wonderful exeperience. I enjoy the tailigating, game and bands. While the other college games are OK, they can be a bit boring during half-time. There is nothing like a HBCU Football Game!!!! Half-time is like no-other, you don’t move until the half-time show is over. My sister and brother-in-law went to FAMU…..GO RATTLERS. I attended Albany State University…..Who Runs This Show, We Run This Show……..GO RAMS!!!!!
By Doug
September 26, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Thanks! Leo Willingham…Promote that Person for doing an article on HBCU!! Anyone that picks Albany State University - Has to know that ASU is undefeated in the SIAC!!! Leo your undefeated also in my book!! Go RAMS!!! Can I get the scores updated on Saturday? - Respect.
By WeRanPaddyfoote
September 26, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
@ Brian, Mark, and all other haters: would you be soooo enthralled with Moreno if he went to CAU? didn’t think so. I am cosigning for E @ 253p 9/25…as bad as I want to go t**-for-tat- lord knows BOTH races provide enough ammunition for each side- I will refrain so I can save my hate for TN State but if all black folks have 1 rap cd then all white folks do meth and screw their cousins. Sorry; couldn’t help it…FAAAAAAAMMM-UUUUU….FAAAAAAAMMM-UUUUU….FAAAAAAAMMM-GOD-D UUUUU….*
By J.Mac
September 26, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
The best classic in the world is the SOUL BOWL between ALCORN STATE AND JACKSON STATE in Jackson Mississippi…..GO BRAVES!!!
By rattlerpt
September 26, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
FAMU is the best. Enough said. Go Rattlers!