From one year to the next it becomes very evident the people behind the Chicago Football Classic (CFC) are very serious about three things—education, community and most importantly, supporting HBCUs. Each year the games are more exciting than the last and the live performances, marching bands and drill teams have you thinking you’ve just been an extra in the next “Drumline” sequel. It’s why more people come each year whether they attended an HBCU or not.
And, it’s why so many people wait anxiously for the annual press conference, which signals the countdown to the game.
Soldier Field was the scene of the first ‘scrimmage’ of the college football season as the supporters of both Miles College and Morehouse College joined sponsors, elected officials, community leaders and the clergy in the announcement at the annual Chicago Football Classic (CFC) on August 27.
CFC organizers Tim and Everett Rand and Larry Huggins kicked off the press conference with an announcement of this year’s honoree, Secretary Jesse White. They shared highlights of the upcoming event and introduced the athletic directors of both schools who thanked the CFC team for their support of education.
Andre’ Pattillo, director of athletics at Morehouse College shared that Chicago is one of the largest feeder cities for Morehouse College. Morehouse alum Ron Redd of BMO Harris Bank, a longtime sponsor of the Classic, was, on hand to offer his support to both teams.
Patrick Peasant, assistant athletic director of the Golden Bears of Miles College, also thanked the CFC team for their support of education. Peasant, who in the tradition of the press conference, offered that Miles College has the premier college band in their conference and expects it to be quite a contest on both the athletic and performance front.
This year’s game will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, at Soldier Field and be the highlight of HBCU Week in Chicago. Tickets are $18, $25, $35and $45 and are available at Midway Wholesalers, 41 W. 84th St., Chicago, IL, 773-874-8000 x4205 and Riteway-Huggins Construction Services Inc., 1030 E. 87th St., Chicago, IL, 773-734-1600; Ticketmaster and Groupon.
A show of the Chicago Football Classic’s commitment to raising funds for education was on display. It was the 2017 Neon Green Rocky Ridge Jeep Wrangler offered by Sherman Dodge, another longtime sponsor of the CFC. One lucky winner will have the opportunity to win “the ride of a lifetime” with all proceeds going to benefit The Chicago Football Classic Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $100 each and only 500 tickets are available.
About the Chicago Football Classic
The Chicago Football Classic’s mission is to support educational achievement, promote higher education, encourage culture and excellence, and showcase the spirit and tradition of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities by providing an exciting football game in Chicago that aids college-bound students. The Classic’s events influence students and parents to consider the rich academic opportunities offered by HBCUs. For more information visit www.chicagofootballclassic.org.
