By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
At a press conference held at the magnificent L A Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center on Sistrunk Blvd., on Thursday September 14, 2023, the Florida Beach Bowl Committee announced the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl football game featuring opponents from the CIAA, the oldest HBCU conference composed of 12 institutions from Pennsylvania to North Carolina with a rich tradition of academic and athletic success, and the SIAC, a NCAA affiliated conference totaling 15 institutions representing 7 contiguous states: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky and Ohio.
The vision and concept for the game emanated from Victor Robenson, an Alabama State grad who noted that HBCU fans have longed for a unique post season experience while dispelling the notion that HBCUS are limited to specific events, therefore creating a variety of unique experiences for fans, something that has been missing since the demise of the similarly structured Pioneer Bowl in 2012. According to an article in the Montgomery Advertiser forwarded to me by South Florida Tuskegee Alumni president Oscar Braynon, the Pioneer Bowl, which met its demise in 2012 because a sponsor couldn’t fulfill its financial obligations to competing schools (Tuskegee & Bowie State) was the predecessor to the Florida Beach Bowl. The first 5 years of the Pioneer Bowl were based in Atlanta before being relocated to Tampa.
Major sponsors include Urban Edge Network and Impact Network, minority owned tech companies capable of broadcasting the game to 70% of U.S. households. Joining forces with major sponsors similar to other bowl games should ensure financial stability. Former Orange Bowl chair Keith Tribble has put the full weight of his influence behind this endeavor. SIAC and CIAA conference commissioners Anthony Holloman and Jacque McWilliams Parker expressed unabashed enthusiasm for the venture, assuring that all relevant factors leading to success were in place. Teams chosen to participate in the game must have won at least 6 games and must be in good academic standing within respective conferences. The weather, location, sponsors, fan support, quality opponents and proactive promotion will be driving forces ensuring the Florida Beach Bowl’s success and longevity.
Several details have been finalized: Date – December 13, 2023; Location- Drive Pink Stadium Fort Lauderdale; Time – 7:30 p.m.
Based on community support and corporate sponsorship among other favorable factors, the Fort Lauderdale FBB should have a long, successful tenure.
The week leading to the actual game is replete with activities for all stakeholders and the community at large, including a golf tournament, 5K run, prayer breakfast, media day, coaches’ luncheon and fan fest among others. More details will be forthcoming as the season unfolds.
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