2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS/FAN GUIDE

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 SUPPORTED BY BRIAN & KATHI BARKER

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].

 

CLASSIC COMMUNITY CAREER FAIR

4 - 6 p.m. | Timken Commons Campus, 521 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH

In collaboration with Ohio Means Jobs and Strengthening Stark, the second annual Classic Community Career Fair is returning to highlight job opportunities throughout Stark and Tuscarawas counties.

Register for the fair here.
 

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.
 

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. It will be a night to remember! Adults only. 

Get your tickets here.

 

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. For more information, contact Adam Brass at [email protected] or Marcus Mercer at [email protected]. 
 

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. All participants must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Use the "VOLUNTEER" button here to register.

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. Vendors: 3 Islands G's Mobile Cuisine; Afrikan Konnections; AUSY; BJ's Kitchen LLC; The Cedar Room; Cathy Spencer; Cheryl's Catering; The Cleveland Fish & Seafood Company; Corine Tindell; Craftivist LLC; Dee-Licious Desserts; Divine Expressions; Ed & Bert's Smokehouse; Gymini Boutique; JEF Enterprises; Ladie K & Family Catering Service; Lady J's Accessories; Links to Heritage; Plum Crazy for BBQ; Shar Bar LLC; The Smoothie Stand & Co; Sweet Lemon Creations; Tastebuds Popcorn Canton; Zeal Energy Drinks. Performers: EN-RICH-MENT drumline; Black College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023 member Henry Lawrence; Virginia Union University’s Cheerleaders and Band (Ambassadors of Sound). 

 

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. Opening acts: Geno Smith, Roslyn Pratt, Anointed Praise and Sharna White. 

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

In collaboration with the Kappa Tau Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.. 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 PRESENTED BY JACK DANIEL'S

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. Vendors: 3 Island G's, Stachia's Almost Famous Wings and Sweetie G'zz.
 

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 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.


 

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MUSEUM HOURS/RATES

 

MUSEUM HOURS

 


 

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PARKING

 

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MUSEUM RULES

To help ensure the security and preservation of our exhibits and artifacts, the Hall has implemented a strict “No Bag Policy.”

Visitors may carry small purses, handbags, fanny packs or small cross-body bags. These bags must not exceed the dimensions of 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches.

Although bags are not allowed, we understand guests may need to carry essential items for medical and childcare needs, thus clear bags are authorized and available at the Guest Services counter.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing you a memorable experience filled with rich history and excitement.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The following items will be prohibited when entering the museum: 

• Weapons
• Food and drink
• Clothing items with disruptive words or images (HOF discretion)

Some common items that are permitted: 

• Strollers
• Wheelchairs
• Service assisting animals
• Cameras

 

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STADIUM ENTRY PROCEDURES

 

(CLICK HERE FOR PDF VERSION)

 

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WILL CALL

All walk-up ticket sales and will-call pick-ups will be made available on the following days at the Center for Performance on the Hall of Fame Village Campus:

• Sunday, Sept. 3: Noon - 6 p.m.

Picking up tickets

Customers will be required to present a valid state or government issued photo ID, driver's license or passport. A valid ID must be duly issued by a government agency and include a photo and a signature.

The Will Call office will not release tickets if the name on the ID does not match the name used to purchase the tickets or if the photo on the ID does not appear to be the photo of the person retrieving the tickets.

It is recommended to bring the order number of ticket purchase and the credit card used to purchase the tickets.

If the ticket purchaser, whose name is on the order, would like to authorize another person to pick up the tickets at Will Call, the purchaser is required to alert the ticket office of the change prior to pick up (see contact information below). The person picking up the tickets will also be required to present a valid photo ID otherwise the tickets will not be released.

Misplaced tickets

In the event that a customer misplaces or fails to bring their tickets to the event, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has the discretion to reprint/re-issue those tickets. A valid ID and/or order number must be presented in order to reprint/re-issue any tickets.

You may contact the Ticket Office at 1-844-4HOFTIX (1-844-446-3849) Option 3 or email us at [email protected].

 

Thank you Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic sponsors