Orange Blossom Classic - Hosting Two events at Black & Gold Game This Weekend
Orange Blossom Classic - Hosting Two events at Black & Gold Game This Weekend
By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
The Alabama State University Hornets will play in the 50th Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) in Miami, Fla. on Labor Day weekend. ASU will take to the gridiron against the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on September 1. To help the Hornet Nation become better acquainted with the Classic, OBC is hosting events at ASU's Black and Gold Game this week (on April 5-6) and Classic representatives will on hand to explain the details of the upcoming September game.
The University was honored to have the executive director of the OBC, Kendra Bulluck, on campus this week to help oversee the two major events her organization is sponsoring at ASU's Black and Gold Game, including a special party for ASU alumni at the Alumni House on Friday evening (April 5) and the Fan Fest on Saturday (April 6) from 10 a.m. to Noon for both the general public and Bama State alumni outside the ASU Stadium. Saturday's game and events are all free and open to the public."We are so honored to be present at the University's Black and Gold Game to introduce ourselves and the upcoming Orange Blossom Classic to ASU's fan base and to show them a fun time by sponsoring two events; one for the alumni and the other for the general public," Bulluck said. "This allows us to treat ASU's fans with lots of fun this weekend that is indicative of the revelry they may expect when they venture down to Miami over Labor Day weekend for the historic matchup we are sponsoring between ASU and NCCU."ABOUT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSICThe Orange Blossom Classic, founded in 1933, is among the nation's oldest Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) football classics.
The inaugural Orange Blossom Classic welcomed 2,000 fans to the football venue that was then located in Jacksonville, Florida. FAMU defeated Howard University 9-0 and successfully established the Classic’s reputation as an important and fun football game. After a 43-year hiatus, the Orange Blossom Classic made its return to Miami Gardens in 2021.
"The OBC was re-established to enhance Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ exposure in the enriched community of Miami Gardens. It promises to attract thousands of fans, alumni, school members, and family members from these respected communities, highlighting interest in HBCUs and their roles in educating aspiring professionals and developing our future leaders," stated Bulluck. "With a goal to raise scholarship funds for ASU and NCCU, the reinvigorated Orange Blossom Football Classic will help to support the knowledge and experience offered by the discipline, commitment, and dedication it takes to be a Historically Black College and University student."
ASU's FOOTBALL PROGRAM EXCITED TO PARTICIPATE
Terry Sims, chief of staff for ASU 's head football coach, Eddie Robinson, Jr., accompanied Bulluck during her visit to the University and stated that playing in Miami will be a treat for players and fans alike."This is going to be a lot of fun for the Hornet Nation Family to see the Hornets play in the Orange Blossom Classic, but it is also going to provide our school with a great recruiting opportunity in Florida and nationwide by showcasing us to the many fine high school football players in the state, especially in and near the Miami area, as well as the immense visibility ASU will receive by the game being televised on ESPN," Sims said. "Also, partnering with such a fine group as the Orange Blossom Classic executives is yet another great asset for us playing in its game."Tickets to the OBC are not included in the Season Ticket-Holders package and must be purchased separately. They are on sale now, and may be purchased on Ticketmaster or at the ASU Ticket Office.
ASU's news media contact: Kenneth Mullinax, 334-229-4104.
###ASU###