By Andrea Smith
Hey there Chicago sports fans—it’s time to get ready for some Football!! The 19th Annual Chicago Football Classic (CFC) is just a few weeks away, once again proudly presented this fall, on Saturday, September 10, 2016 by two of the city’s most community-focused corporate sponsors—BMO Harris Bank and Sherman Dodge.
You know about the Chicago Football Classic, don’t you? If you do, great! If you’re new to this exciting, spirit-filled Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Sports and Scholarship Celebration, then read on. You will be glad you did. Why? If you enjoy having fun while watching a rousing football game with old and new friends, experiencing the not-to-be-missed, award-winning caliber, high-energy ‘Battle-of-the-Bands’ half-time show, while helping Chicago students go to HBCU institutions, these are some things you will want to know…
When is the Chicago Football Classic, and which HBCU teams are playing? What else happens at the classic?
The Chicago Football Classic highlights the gridiron prowess of talented and high-achieving college athletes, from the nations Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
This year’s fantastic fall football game will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016, starting at 3:30 p.m., at Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Dr. This is a high-energy football game experience, between two Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This year, in a classic battle between the North and the South—Clark-Atlanta University (CAU) from Atlanta, GA., and Central State University (CSU) from Wilberforce, OH will face-off in the sports spotlight at Chicago’s legendary Soldier Field. The CFC is extremely popular, and this annual extravaganza draws a cross-section of local HBCU alumni, their family, friends and college football fans from Chicago and the surrounding states. Once you attend, you’ll definitely come again!
In addition to the game, there are a host of spirited, day-of-event pre-game activities on the Soldier Field campus for attendees of all ages: The HBCU College Fair & Empowerment Summit, where those interested in attending HBCUs can learn about admission, study program and scholarship options, the CFC Tail-Gaiting ‘Pre-Game Party’ and the ‘ever-popular half-time ‘Battle-of-the-Bands’! In other words, there’s something the entire family can enjoy!
Given CFC’s mission and longstanding dedication to provide Chicagoland high school students with expanded opportunities to pursue a higher education, it’s no wonder that the Chicago Football Classic has become known as a great, fun-filled, educationally focused and well-respected tradition for the city.
What time does the CFC start, and where can you get tickets for the Chicago Football classic?
The 19th Annual Chicago Football Classic is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Soldier Field. The excitement begins at 9:00 a.m. with the College Fair, and the ever-popular tailgating begins at 12:00 p.m. The main event—Game Kickoff between Clark-Atlanta University and Central State University starts at 3:30 p.m.
Want tickets? Tickets are affordably priced between $17- $45. Tickets can be purchased through Midway Wholesalers, 41 West 84th Street @773-874-8000 ext. 4024 or Riteway-Huggins Construction, 1030 East 87th Street @773-734-1600, or online at Ticketmaster, www.Ticketmaster.com. Visit CFC at the following: www.chicagofootballclassic.biz for more information.
Who started the Chicago Football Classic and who are the sponsors?
The Chicago Football Classic, which started in 1997, is the brainchild of three of Chicago’s most notable Black businessmen and philanthropists who believe in giving back to the community—businessmen Larry Huggins, President of Riteway-Huggins Construction, Inc., Everett Rand, CEO of Midway Wholesalers, Inc., and Tim Rand of Mac One Midway Concessionaires.
The Chicago Football Classic focuses on higher education and positively impacting the lives of young African-Americans. Today, the CFC is a well-respected destination event in the City of Chicago which has helped students attend and graduate from HBCU’s across the country.
Over the years, the Chicago Football Classic has hosted an impressive roster of HBCU teams, becoming one of the nation’s premiere annual HBCU college sports events of the fall season.
The Chicago Football Classic is honored to have two major, long-term presenting sponsors: Sherman Dodge of Skokie and BMO Harris Bank.
Sherman Dodge and BMO Harris Bank both demonstrate their corporate citizenship through community involvement and educational advocacy.
For more information on the Chicago Football Classic call 773-874-8000, x.4024 or 773-734-1600. Go to www.chicagofootballclassic.biz and/or Like “Chicago Football Classic” on Facebook and follow CFC on Twitter: @CHIFTBLCLASS.
See you at the Classic!
