The matchup between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University will be the first event held at the all-new Orlando Citrus Bowl.
ORLANDO, Fla. (BlackNews.com) — The fall football season marks the return of the nation’s largest HBCU rivalry as the Florida A&M University Rattlers take on the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats at the Florida Blue Florida Classic game on November 22, 2014 at the all new Orlando Citrus Bowl in Orlando. With Kellen Winslow, Sr., a Pro Football Hall of Famer, as the new Athletic Director at FAMU and the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats coming off of a strong 2013 football season, the excitement for this year’s matchup intensifies as this is the first game to be played at the newly built stadium that was demolished earlier in the year. Tickets are on sale now and start as low as $15.
This year’s Florida Classic features an enhanced fan experience, an exciting lineup of weekend and pre-game events, and something for everyone from students, families, sports enthusiasts, alumni, and supporters of both universities. Attendees can expect a better game experience in the brand new 65,000-seat stadium, which features larger, more comfortable seats with chair backs, and an additional six inches of legroom in the lower bowl. Additionally, the bigger and better stadium includes multiple club and suites, new and improved concessions, a party deck area, new team facilities, and better views of the game from any point in the stadium thanks to multiple video displays on each upper deck.
“This year we are completely focused on giving fans the best game experience and making this the most talked about HBCU game of the year and the place to be,” shares Marah Beltz, Bethune-Cookman University.
In addition to the big game, the weekend lineup of events begins on Friday, November 21st and includes the Florida Consortium Kickoff Luncheon presented by Florida Blue, the Career Expo and Job Fair, and the Florida Blue Battle of the Bands featuring crowd-pleasing dance teams, high-stepping drum majors, precision drumlines, and roaring brass sections. Game day activities include FanFare with activities for the entire family, a pre-game performance featuring 2 Chainz and a day party in the stadium, in addition to the halftime performance by the Marching 100 and the Marching Wildcats.
“You can always expect a great game at the Florida Classic, but this year is even better,” shares Angela Suggs, Florida A&M University Assistant Athletics Director. “In addition to the exciting new energy that both teams are bringing to the gridiron, the fan experience has something for everyone from the pre-game concert and the day party, the Battle of the Bands and FanFare, to a bigger and better stadium.”
This year’s game is touted as the can’t miss event of the year and will be focused on giving fans the best high-energy football experience. Tickets are on sale now for the game and weekend events and can be purchased online at www.FloridaClassic.org.
