COMMENTARY
As Classic Weekend morning dawns over the Orlando skyline, I find myself thankful.
There’s something magically about the transformation that happens every November, when Classic comes to town. Growing up in this area, the Florida Classic has been an Orlando institution for my entire life (literally), but prior to 1997, Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman played their annual rivalry game in Tampa. Since coming to Orlando, the Florida Classic has grown into the most important HBCU / FCS event in college football.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer:
“I truly believe this is one of college football’s best rivalries. Not just in the Sunshine State; but in the entire country.”
As of 2022, The Florida Blue – Florida Classic remains the only HBCU rivalry owned and operated by its participating teams. Florida Classic adds nearly $30 million in economic impact to the Central Florida region.
Thanks Tampa.
THE CONVERSATION.