Since its inception in 1983, Circle City Classic has been a staple in Indianapolis, drawing tens of thousand of people from across the country with the lure of parades, parties, concerts, celebrities and an unforgettable football game. Most importantly, the event highlights the spirit and traditions of America’s historically Black colleges and universities while raising scholarship money for deserving young people across the country. During the 2017 Circle City Classic, Kentucky State University will square off against Central State University. Ticket information can be found at circlecityclassic.com. For a list of events, see below:
Circle City Classic Pep Rally
Sept. 22, 4 p.m.
Pump it up at the pep rally on Monument Circle, featuring the Broad Ripple High School Marching Band and the Diamond Divas of Indy.
Emcee B-Swift from Hot 96.3 will keep the energy flowing at this free event.
Circle City
Classic Cabaret
Sept. 22, 7 p.m.
The Circle City Classic Cabaret will take place in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This year’s lineup includes Stephanie Mills, Will Downing, S.O.S. Band and Midnight Star. Tickets start at $25, VIP floor tickets cost $100 (limited availability) and non-floor seats cost $25, $35 or $50.
Circle City Classic Fan Fest (Tailgate)
Sept. 23, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
This free tailgating party takes place on South Street in front of Lucas Oil Stadium.
Circle City Classic Parade
Sept. 23, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Pageantry, celebrities, floats and marching bands make this one of the top parades in the state. Nearly 100,000 spectators watch the free Classic Parade weave its way through downtown Indianapolis. Parade grand marshals have included renowned celebrities such as Jerry Rice, Kelly Rowland, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Boris Kodjoe and Grammy Award-winning gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams. This year’s grand marshal is five-time NBA champion Ron Harper.
34th Annual Circle City Classic Football Game
Sept. 23, 3–6 p.m.
Since its inception, the Circle City Classic football game has featured competitive matchups. Celebrate the 34th year with two dynamic HBCUs: Kentucky State University vs. Central State University.
Circle City Classic Battle of the Bands: Half Time
Sept. 23, 4:30 p.m.
The Battle of the Bands features the energy, precision and soulful sounds of Black college marching bands, bringing excitement and energy to the football game during the half-time show. This event will feature the marching bands from Central State University and Kentucky State (requires ticket to game).
34th Annual Circle City Classic Post Game Concert
Sept. 23, 6 p.m.
Indiana Black Expo welcomes back hip-hop artist Jeezy to perform at the 34th Circle City Classic postgame show.
The Circle City Classic Official After Party “All Black Affair”
Sept. 23-24, 10 p.m.–3 a.m.
Get dressed in your best and come party with all the celebrities in town for Classic Weekend. This event features a special performance by rapper Juvenile. Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.com for $30.
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ince its inception in 1983, Circle City Classic has been a staple in Indianapolis, drawing tens of thousand of people from across the country with the lure of parades, parties, concerts, celebrities and an unforgettable football game. Most importantly, the event highlights the spirit and traditions of America’s historically Black colleges and universities while raising scholarship money for deserving young people across the country. During the 2017 Circle City Classic, Kentucky State University will square off against Central State University. Ticket information can be found at circlecityclassic.com. For a list of events, see below:
Circle City
Classic Pep Rally
Sept. 22, 4 p.m.
Pump it up at the pep rally on Monument Circle, featuring the Broad Ripple High School Marching Band and the Diamond Divas of Indy.
Emcee B-Swift from Hot 96.3 will keep the energy flowing at this free event.
Circle City Classic Cabaret
Sept. 22, 7 p.m.
The Circle City Classic Cabaret will take place in the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This year’s lineup includes Stephanie Mills, Will Downing, S.O.S. Band and Midnight Star. Tickets start at $25, VIP floor tickets cost $100 (limited availability) and non-floor seats cost $25, $35 or $50.
Circle City Classic Fan Fest (Tailgate)
Sept. 23, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
This free tailgating party takes place on South Street in front of Lucas Oil Stadium.
Circle City Classic Parade
Sept. 23, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Pageantry, celebrities, floats and marching bands make this one of the top parades in the state. Nearly 100,000 spectators watch the free Classic Parade weave its way through downtown Indianapolis. Parade grand marshals have included renowned celebrities such as Jerry Rice, Kelly Rowland, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Boris Kodjoe and Grammy Award-winning gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams. This year’s grand marshal is five-time NBA champion Ron Harper.
34th Annual Circle City Classic Football Game
Sept. 23, 3–6 p.m.
Since its inception, the Circle City Classic football game has featured competitive matchups. Celebrate the 34th year with two dynamic HBCUs: Kentucky State University vs. Central State University.
Circle City Classic Battle of the Bands: Half Time
Sept. 23, 4:30 p.m.
The Battle of the Bands features the energy, precision and soulful sounds of Black college marching bands, bringing excitement and energy to the football game during the half-time show. This event will feature the marching bands from Central State University and Kentucky State (requires ticket to game).
34th Annual Circle City Classic Post Game Concert
Sept. 23, 6 p.m.
Indiana Black Expo welcomes back hip-hop artist Jeezy to perform at the 34th Circle City Classic postgame show.
The Circle City Classic Official After Party “All Black Affair”
Sept. 23-24, 10 p.m.–3 a.m.
Get dressed in your best and come party with all the celebrities in town for Classic Weekend. This event features a special performance by rapper Juvenile. Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.com for $30.
