Chicago Football Classic Week beefed up

Crusader staff report

A pep rally at NBC. Several rounds of golf. Tailgate parties. A proclamation from the mayor’s office.

They are among a string of events that are beefing up the week of the Chicago Football Classic as part of an effort to generate excitement and boost turnout for the September 10 showdown between Clark Atlanta and Central State University at Soldier Field.

Event organizers on Tuesday, August 30, released a completed schedule of events that will be held throughout Chicago leading up to the 19th Annual Chicago Football Classic.

In addition to private events, a golf outing and coaches’ luncheon will be held on Friday, September 9 at the Flossmoor Country Club, 1441 Western Avenue. Participation in the event costs at least $300.

That same day, a pep rally and preview of the HBCU Halftime Battle of Bands will be held at NBC Tower, 455 N. Cityfront Plaza (Columbus Dr. and Illinois Street). Spectators and alumni of Clark Atlanta and Central State are urged to wear their school colors at the event.

Organizers have also released information for spectators hosting tailgate parties. Tailgating will be allowed in the South Parking Lot, the Adler Planetarium parking lot and the Upper Waldron Deck.

Football fans will also shop during a vendor marketplace that will take place inside the stadium at 1:30 p.m., two hours before kickoff.

The highly anticipated High School Battle of the Bands will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 10 on the Great Lawn located on the east side of Soldier Field. Organizers are still finalizing the list of high school bands participating in the event. For the first time in the competition’s history, a high school band from Gary will participate in the battle of the bands.

The South Shore Drill Team will participate in this year’s Chicago Football Classic, but it’s still not clear when the group will perform.

On Thursday, August 18, Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a pro-

clamation, praising the Chicago Football Classic for raising over $2 million in scholarships in its 18-year history.

Each year, the Chicago Football Classic holds a HBCU College Fair & Empowerment Summit for college-bound high school seniors. Students peruse various booths seeking information on the college admission process, financial aid opportunities and scholarships.