The Norfolk State Spartans will go head to head with the North Carolina Central Eagles during the 40th Anniversary Circle City Classic.
Showcasing 40 years of HBCU excellence, the annual football game and Battle of the Bands between historically Black colleges and universities returns to Indianapolis on Sept. 28. The game will be 3 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium following the parade and marks the first time the Spartans are playing in the Classic and third time for the Eagles.
“The Circle City Classic this year will be special as it not only brings competitive HBCU football to Indianapolis, but this is the 40th anniversary,” Alice Watson, Indiana Black Expo President & CEO, said in a statement. “We are so proud of the 40 years of impact and history that this event has made in our community and throughout the Midwest.”
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The Circle City Classic has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships to outstanding college and university students across the country. Since its conception, the classic has also contributed more than $340 million into Indianapolis’ economy.
“We are excited to be a part of this year’s Circle City Classic, going up against North Carolina Central,” Norfolk State University Director of Athletics Melody Webb said in a statement. “This tremendous event, celebrating the 40th anniversary, is a fitting stage for a highly anticipated conference showdown.”
The legacy of HBCU excellence will continue with the Circle City Classic “Battle of the Bands” half-time show, where the NCCU Sound Machine Marching Band will go up against the Norfolk State Spartan Legion band.
Now through Sept. 2, general admission tickets for the Circle City Classic are $20 and buy one, get one free. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Lucas Oil Stadium box office. For more information, visit circlecityclassic.com.
