The Westside Gazette

44th Florida Blue Florida Classic set for Saturday, Nov. 23

Tony Jenkins

(Source: SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA COURIER)

    Florida Blue is proud to be the title sponsor of the 44th annual Florida Blue Florida Classic. This marks the 14th consecutive year Florida Blue has sponsored this historic rivalry between the Florida A&M “Rattlers” and the Bethune-Cookman University “Wildcats.”

This year’s 2024 Florida Blue Florida Classic is set for Saturday, Nov. 23. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with FanFest, Tinker Field (just outside the West Side of Camping World Stadium).

The game begins at 3:30 p.m., at Camping World Stadium. Admission to FanFest is free and a game ticket is not required.

The Florida Blue Florida Classic is the nation’s largest football game between two historically Black college/university (HBCU) schools. Since its inception in 1978, more than 2 million spectators have attended.

Nearly 1.5 million fans have attended the Classic in Orlando since the game settled in Central Florida in 1997. In addition to an average of close to 60,000 spectators in the stadium for the contest, thousands more fans fill Tampa Avenue, Lake Lorna Doone Park, FanFest at Tinker Field, and the surrounding community on gameday.

The Classic is the only HBCU rivalry owned and operated by its participating teams, with ticket sales and corporate support of the event befitting both universities directly.

“The Florida Blue Florida Classic is more than just a game. It’s a celebration of events bringing together students, alumni, and our entire Central Florida community,” said Tony Jenkins, Central Florida Market president, Florida Blue. “Not only does this historic rivalry generate an estimated $30 million annually into our local economy, but much of the proceeds go directly towards scholarships for deserving students at both schools as well. Regardless of the final score, that’s a win for both Rattlers and Wildcats.”

Aside from the game, events throughout the week include a VIP “Night of Distinction” reception, a massive kickoff luncheon featuring both head coaches, a Friday night “Battle of the Bands” at the Kia Center, and the state’s largest diversity job fair.

The records:

The bands:

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