Circle City Classic 2024: Who's playing in the HBCU football game

The Circle City Classic is back, and it's XL.

This year marks the 40th year for the Circle City Classic, the oldest historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) football classic in the Midwest.

And while the Sept. 28 game — and its “Battle of the Bands” showdown at halftime — is the centerpiece, the entire weekend is filled with events to showcase HBCU culture.

That means marching bands, celebs, parades, concerts and tailgating.

Over the four decades, the Circle City Classic, produced by Indiana Black Expo, has helped to raise more than $5 million in college scholarships, in addition to exposing students to post-secondary educational institutions across the state.

The classic and related events have helped pump $340 million dollars into the Indianapolis economy.

Here’s what's happening during the Circle City Classic XL weekend.

All proceeds support the Circle City Classic Scholarship Fund.

The Coaches Luncheon

Friday, Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Lucas Oil Stadium, Lucas Oil Plaza North Gate, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis

At the luncheon, NBA champion Metta World Peace will be presented with the Major Taylor Award. The award was created in 1987 in honor of renowned Indianapolis cyclist Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor to recognize an African-American athlete, coach, athletics administrator or official who has made significant local and national contributions to youth while encouraging excellence in future generations.

Metta World Peace was an NBA championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. He retired in 2017 after an 18-year career that saw him play for multiple teams, including the Indiana Pacers.

Born Ron Artest Jr., he legally changed his name to Metta World Peace in 2011 to encourage dialogue over physical violence and promote goodwill toward all.

Tickets are available at circlecityclassic.com .

The President's Reception Gala

Friday, Sept. 27, 8-11 p.m.

The Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington, Indianapolis

Entertainment will feature R&B singer and songwriter Will Downing along with Indianapolis saxophonist and “America’s Got Talent” contestant B. Thompson .

Actor and comedian Joe Torry will host.

Buy tickets at circlecityclassic.com .

Others are reading: Indy's B. Thompson on his journey to America's Got Talent — and that Simon Cowell eye roll

The Circle City Classic Parade

Saturday, Sept. 28., 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Downtown Indianapolis

The parade of floats, celebs, community groups and marching bands attracts about 100,000 spectators each year.

“ The Chi ” star Jacob Latimore is the grand marshal of this year’s parade.

The one-mile route begins at North and Pennsylvania streets and ends on Meridian Street.

The 40th Annual Circle City Classic

Norfolk State University vs. North Carolina Central University

Saturday,  Sept. 28, 3 p.m.Lucas Oil Stadium, 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis

It’ll be green and gold versus maroon and gray when Norfolk State University comes to Indianapolis to take on North Carolina Central University .

Teams for 2024 Circle City Classic: Behold! Norfolk State makes its debut against North Carolina Central University

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contest has the Norfolk State Spartans making their Classic debut, while 2024 is the third appearance of the North Carolina Central Eagles. The Eagles beat Mississippi Valley State University, 45-3, in the Circle City Classic last year.

The Eagles and Spartans were originally scheduled to play on Nov. 9 in Norfolk, Virginia. Now, the Circle City Classic marks the 2024 MEAC opener for both programs. A half-time show will feature the Circle City Classic “Battle of the Bands,” with the NCCU Sound Machine Marching Band and the Norfolk State Spartan Legion band going head-to-head.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com , with applicable fees, or at the Lucas Oil Stadium box office.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com: @cherylvjackson .

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Circle City Classic 2024: Who's playing in the HBCU football game