35th annual Southern Heritage Classic kicks off this weekend

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The 35th annual Southern Heritage Classic is happening this weekend at Liberty Park in Memphis, Tennessee.

Tennessee State University and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff will be facing off against each other for the second year in a row. This huge event brings thousands of people from both competing teams to the bluff city.

For 35 years, Southern Heritage Classic has hosted different events for the community to come together.

In 2023, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff signed a two-year contract to play in the Classic.

“The visions he has had over the years and years to come. It’s important to highlight and showcase HBCUs and the importance of Black colleges to our community and to our youth,” said Larry Dodson Jr., Coordinator of Southern Heritage Classic.

From the Greek step show to battles of bands, parades, and even educating the youth.

“We always emphasize exposure and the more young people are exposed to the better opportunities they see for themselves,” said Brian Harris, Director.

Micheal Gray and Donnie Lott have been tailgating since Wednesday. They say it has been a tradition to attend Southern Heritage Classic since 1998.

“I met him from being out here and so now we like family now. So, it’s like seeing your family that you only see once or twice a year,” Lott said.

“We really want Jackson State back, we do, but Pine Bluff is good too,” Gray said.

Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says it’s all about having a good time while being safe.

“You may see visible police officers. You might see sky cops, you could see drones. You may even see metal detectors. But there will also be some resources you may not see like undercover officers. We are approaching this thing from every angle,” Buckner said.

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says if you see something say something, remember if you are driving don’t drink and if you drink don’t drive.

Friday’s events:

• 8:30 a.m. — Classic College and Career Fair at the Memphis Sports & Events Center. Visit online at www.cityofmemphisyouth.org .
• Noon — Classic Coaches Luncheon at the Renasant Convention Center/Grand Ballroom. Invitation only.
• 8 p.m. — Tamia and Joe at the Landers Center. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com .

Saturday’s events:

• 8 a.m. — Classic Tailgate at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium parking lots and Tiger Lane. Tailgate packages are available at www.ticketmaster.com .
• 8 a.m. — Penny Hardaway Memphis District Golf Classic at the Tunica National Golf and Tennis. $500 per team, 4-man scramble. All participants receive a golf shirt and gift bag with premium items. For information, call (901) 633-3933 or online at www.memphisdistrictgolfclassic.org .
• 9 a.m. — Classic Parade. The parade route is along Park Avenue from Haynes to Airways featuring area high school marching bands. Visit www.omcpc.com for more information.
• 11 a.m. — Classic Battle of the Bands at Whitehaven High School Stadium. Tickets: $12 advance; $15 day of. For tickets and information, contact Walter Banks Jr. at 901-497-2015 or email at banksmtm@gmail.com or Vincent Smith at 901-831-7624 or email at smithv1@scsk12.org.
• 11 a.m. — Classic Fashions & Brunch at The Guest House at Graceland. “ Purple Passion of Fashion ” presented by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. – Memphis Chapter. Tickets: $75. For tickets and information, call (901) 568-4021 or online at www.memphisncbw.org .
• 6 p.m. — Southern Heritage Classic Football Game at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. A great football rivalry featuring Arkansas Pine Bluff vs. Tennessee State. Tickets: $53, $38 and $23 plus service charges. All seats are reserved. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com .
• AutoZone Halftime Show featuring UAPB’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South and TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands.

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