The 33rd annual Circle City Classic weekend is a showcase of cultural integrity and educational achievement. Bolstered by the spirit of tradition, America’s HBCUs draw thousands of enthusiasts across the nation to attend the parade, pep rally, battle of the bands and football game.
The game on Sept. 24 features Central State University and Kentucky State University, but there are other events commemorating the Classic, such as the Miss Circle City Classic Coronation on Sept. 17, hosted by the Madame Walker Theatre Center from 5–7 p.m.
As the week’s events unfold, proceeds from the Circle City Classic will help support youth initiatives, as more than $4 million in scholarships will be rewarded to college attendees across the country, according to a press release from Dian Foreman, a communications manager for the Indiana Black Expo. This is an increase of scholarship revenues that exceeded $800,000 when the event was founded under Rev. Charles Williams in 1983.
On Sept. 20, the Classic prayer and worship service at New Beginnings Fellowship Church will host local pastor James Anthony Jackson Sr. and guest speaker Reginald Wayne Sharp Jr. from the House of Hope in Macon, Georgia. The service begins at 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 will bunch the most exciting sporting and musical events, culminating with the football game.
Friday is the Classic Coaches Luncheon hosted by the Indianapolis Colts. The head coaches for the competing teams, Cedric Pearl of Central State and John L. Smith of Kentucky State, will meet at 11 a.m. at the Westin Hotel. This precedes the marching band showcase and pep rally at 4 p.m. on Monument Circle.
That same night, there will be a Classic concert cabaret at the Indiana Convention Center featuring Frankie Beverly and Maze, Lalah Hathaway and Rose Royce, among others. That event is listed at $55–65 with doors opening at 6 p.m. for the event at 7 p.m.
Saturday is the official Circle City Classic Parade at 10 a.m. between North Street and Pennsylvania Street, with recognizable floats and family interaction. Next is the Education Day Party at Lucas Oil Stadium, and later is the tailgate, fan festival and, finally, the football game at 3 p.m., with tickets ranging from $10–50.
While the Classic game and battle of the bands during halftime are the main events, an All Black Affair Party at the Pavilion at PanAm Plaza will be one to remember at 10 p.m.
All events and prices for the Circle City Classic can be found on the organization’s calendar at circlecityclassic.com/event-directory.
