2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, Aug. 31 (Education Day)

*All events, locations, artists and times subject to change.

READING THE PLAYBOOK

9 a.m. | Stark and Summit County Schools

Our local community partners and Stark and Summit County's The Divine Nine (Black Greek Letter fraternity and sorority organizations) are committed to coaching kids to an education touchdown through our “Reading the Playbook” event during the Classic Weekend. This event incorporates mentors and leaders with elementary students for a time of reading and inspiring a strong first-quarter start in life.
 

CLASSIC COLLEGE FAIR

9 a.m. - Noon | Hall of Fame Village Campus, Center for Performance

High school students are invited to join colleges from across the country, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities at the 3rd Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic College Fair at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. In addition to interacting with college representatives, the fair will include live breakout sessions with college personnel presenting on the admissions process and current or former HBCU students presenting on the experience of attending an HBCU. Please RSVP to secure spots for your students. Seating and capacity are limited for this event. For more information or to reserve spots for your students, contact [email protected].

 

Friday, Sept. 1 (Fellowship Day)

BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASSIC OPEN-MIC

7 - 9 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame, James Allen Family Gold Jacket Lounge

In collaboration with the Jason Taylor Foundation. An open-mic night will be hosted at the Hall. Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come to the mic to share your poetry, musical gifts, spoken word and other talents in a fun and relaxed environment. Registration information coming soon.
 

THE RED CARPET AFFAIR

9 p.m. - 1 a.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame, Nash Family Event & Conference Center

In collaboration with TKD Productions. Enjoy the evening with the smooth sounds of the Rob Johnson Friends Band. Then hit the dance floor for old school, new school, Hip Hop and R&B with "The Show," "Mr. Sweat Ya Perm Out" DJ EZ Money. It will be a night to remember! Ticket information coming soon.
 

Saturday, Sept. 2 (Community Day)

BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASSIC GOLF OUTING

8 a.m. |  Clearview Golf Club

Join Black College Football Hall of Famers and many others for the third annual Classic Golf Outing at the historic Clearview Golf Club. Clearview Golf Club is the first golf course in the United States that was constructed, owned and operated by an African American. The course was purchased in 1946 by National Black Golf Hall of Famer Bill Powell and opened as an integrated course to the public in April 1948. More details and contact information coming soon.
 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY DAY OF SERVICE

9 a.m. - Noon |  Habitat for Humanity Campus, 1400 Raff Road SW, Canton, OH 44710

Team up with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio for a “Building Blitz” morning. You'll help build and paint the garden sheds that are part of the home each Habitat family purchases.

HBCU FAMILY BLOCK PARTY PRESENTED BY CSE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

11 a.m. - 8 p.m. |  Centennial Plaza, Downtown Canton

Join us for a day full of fun in downtown Canton at Centennial Plaza. The Block Party will feature nonstop entertainment including music, line dancing, games, prizes and more. Food trucks and some of the area’s best vendors will be there to show off Canton’s finest.  

BLACK FALL CLASSIC GREEK STEP SHOW

Noon - 2 p.m. |  Canton McKinley High School, Umstattd Performing Arts Hall

In collaboration with Robert L. Bankston Entertainment. The history and DNA of stepping has been in African culture for centuries dating back to the 1500s. Stepping promoted unity, creating lifelong relationships. Over the years stepping has transcended HBCU campuses and beyond, reaching millions. Stepping has been featured in movies such as Spike Lee’s ”School Days” and Sony Pictures’ “Stomp the Yard.” Step shows display unity of brotherhood and sisterhood for sororities and fraternities. This family event will bring back memories for some while sparking the minds of the future to pursue higher education. We have been through a lot in our country over the past few years. Join us to kick off this icebreaker for the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic festivities.

 

FAITH, FAMILY & FOOTBALL GOSPEL CONCERT FEATURING TAMELA MANN PRESENTED BY THE GOOD FEET STORE

5:30 - 8 p.m. | Centennial Plaza, Downtown Canton

As a part of the downtown HBCU Family Block Party, the night will be highlighted with a free gospel concert featuring Grammy award-winning superstar Tamela Mann. Presented by The Good Feet Store. The concert is free, but tickets for VIP seating and combo packages will be available for purchase. Learn more about the concert and tickets here.

OFFICIAL ALL WHITE AFFAIR

9 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. | Cultural Center for the Arts, Canton

Back by popular demand for Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic Weekend — it's the official All White Party presented by the Divine Nine! Adults only. Get your tickets, your white outfit and get ready to start the night with the smooth sounds of Hubb's Groove, then prepare to turn up with DJ Lo-Key. If you attended last year, you already know it is going to be a great night! For more information, contact Monty Pender at 330-754-4376.
 

Sunday, Sept. 3 (Game Day)

CECELIA PONDER INTERFAITH SERVICE

9 - 10:30 a.m. | Centennial Plaza, Downtown Canton

A time to come together to worship, pray, give thanks and enjoy fellowship as a community of believers. All faiths and religious denominations are welcome.

THE CLASSIC TAILGATE 

11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus

A “Classic” tradition! Get ready for an energetic pregame experience on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus before kickoff. The tailgate will include a must-see marching band preview as the university marching bands enter the stadium in extraordinary fashion along with entertainment including music, dancing and more.

STARK COUNTY MINORITY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION BUSINESS RECEPTION

Noon - 3 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus

Canton has been recognized as an ideal location for the development and establishment of minority businesses. The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stark Economic Development Board, Stark County Minority Business Association and Stark County Moving Forward have been active in making inroads into assisting the development and expansion of minority businesses. The reception is meant to provide a business-friendly atmosphere for minority and non-minority businesses for fellowship, to exchange business cards and otherwise to meet and greet in hopes of furthering future business relationships and advancing current ones.

2023 BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASSIC GAME OHIO FEATURING VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY AND MOREHOUSE COLLEGE

4 p.m. | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Come watch the Virginia Union Panthers take on the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers as the two programs face off at the magnificent Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. After the game, stay to see the presentation of the MVP award and the trophy to the winning team.

Get your tickets here.

THE FIFTH QUARTER PRESENTED BY CSE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Immediately following the game | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Stay after the game to watch an exciting HBCU marching band tradition known as the Fifth Quarter.





 

Thank you Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic sponsors