Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic Schedule of Events


2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

Thursday, Aug. 28

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


READING THE PLAYBOOK

9 a.m. | Stark and Summit County Schools

Our local community partners along with Stark and Summit County's The Divine Nine (Black Greek letter fraternity and sorority organizations) come together to coach kids on their way to orchestrate an educational touchdown through a “Reading the Playbook” event during the Classic weekend. Elementary school students will receive guidance from these leaders and mentors with a time of reading and inspirational words to prepare them for the game of life.

 

CLASSIC COLLEGE FAIR 

9 a.m. - NoonHigh 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. | Bulldog Activity Center, 521 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH

Colleges from around the nation, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, come together to give high school students an opportunity to learn about, apply to and earn scholarships from their institutions at the 5th annual 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].

 

BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME COMMUNITY CAREER JOB FAIR

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

In collaboration with Ohio Means Jobs, the fourth annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Community Career Fair is returning to highlight job opportunities throughout Stark and Tuscarawas counties. Come and seek career development opportunities and find careers that offer “life-sustaining salaries” in a variety of high-demand industries.

Click here to register.
 

Friday, Aug. 29

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” volunteer opportunity. Help build and paint garden sheds that are part of every home purchased by Habitat families. No experience or tools required. Bring good team spirit, and Habitat will provide all the necessary tools and materials. Huddle up and help make a difference that lasts with Habitat for Humanity! This rain-or-shine event is free, but registration is required. All participants must be at least 18 years old.

Click here to register.
 

Saturday, Aug. 30

CLEARVIEW GOLF CLASSIC

Join Black College Football Hall of Famers and many others for the third annual Classic Golf Outing at the historic Clearview Golf Club.8 a.m. |  Clearview Golf Club

The Clearview Golf Classic is another special event in which you can partake with Black College Football Hall of Famers. Join them at historic Clearview Golf Club for a chance to play with these legends of the game. Clearview is an extraordinary golf course that was constructed, owned and operated by Bill Powell, making it the first club in America built by an African American. Clearview Golf Club is now owned by Bill’s daughter Renee Powell, the second African American to participate in the LPGA. For more information, contact Vince Guardado at [email protected].  

 

RED S.H.O.E. 5K

The first annual 5K Race and 1-mile Family Walk will take in collaboration with the Stark County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and Run to You Racing, LLC.8:30 a.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus

The first annual 5K Race and 1-mile Family Walk will take place in collaboration with the Stark County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Run to You Racing, LLC. Get your weekend started off with wellness and community as we race around the Pro Football Hall of Fame campus ending with a presentation of medals. Partial proceeds will go toward scholarships and community outreach for Stark County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Click here to register.

 

CLASSIC BATTLE OF THE BANDS

New to the Classic and what is sure to be an event you don’t want to miss, witness an epic competition of the bands!Time: TBD | Canton Memorial Field House, 1815 Harrison Ave. NW, Canton, OH

New to the Classic and what is sure to be an event you don’t want to miss, witness an epic competition of the bands! Miles College’s Purple Marching Machine takes on Virginia Union’s Ambassadors of Sound marching band. Featuring drum lines, dancers and unique musicianship, as well as performances by each schools cheerleading teams, this will make for a one-of-a-kind experience. 

 

2025 BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS PLAQUE UNVEILING

4:30 p.m. | Black College Football Hall of Fame Gallery, Pro Football Hall of Fame

Come together in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Gallery located inside of the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the unveiling of the Class of 2025 plaques in their permanent home. 
 

OFFICIAL ALL WHITE AFFAIR

9 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. | Community Event | Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH

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! If you missed it last year, don't sleep on this! For more information, contact Monty Pender at 330-754-4376.
 

Sunday, Aug. 31

CECELIA PONDER TIME OF INSPIRATION

9 - 10:30 a.m. | Community Event | Gold Jacket Lounge, Pro Football Hall of Fame

A time to come together prior to kickoff to share inspiration and celebrate the weekend. With music, arts and special messages, the event invites individuals and groups to gather together and highlight the importance of the Classic Weekend and celebrate community.

 

HBCU FAMILY BLOCK PARTY PRESENTED BY CSE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

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

Join us for a fun-filled experience prior to the game. Nonstop entertainment, including music, food and more. Food trucks and some of the area’s best vendors will show off Canton’s finest right outside the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 


 

THE CLASSIC TAILGATE PRESENTED BY SUGARDALE

A “Classic” tradition! Get ready for an energetic pregame experience on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus before kickoff.11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus

A Classic Weekend tradition! Get ready for an energetic pregame experience on the Pro Football Hall of Fame campus before kickoff. The tailgate will include nonstop entertainment such as music, dancing and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
 

 

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

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.1:30 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus

As a part of the HBCU Family Block Party presented by CSE Federal Credit Union, the day will be highlighted with a crowd-pleasing gospel performance from a national recording artist.


 

MINORITY BUSINESS RECEPTION

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame

Canton has been recognized as an ideal location for the development and growth of minority businesses in Stark County. The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stark Economic Development Board, Stark County Minority Business Association and Stark County Moving Forward have been instrumental in paving the way to assisting the expansion of minority businesses. The reception is a networking opportunity meant to provide a relaxed, business-friendly atmosphere for minority and non-minority businesses to meet and greet others; enjoy food, cocktails, entertainment and conversations; and exchange business cards in hopes of creating new business relationships and advancing current ones.


2025 CLASH AT THE CLASSIC GAME MILES COLLEGE AND VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY

Come watch a showdown of defending conference champions as the Miles College Golden Bears take on the Virginia Union University Panthers.4 p.m. | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Come watch a showdown of defending conference champions as the Miles College Golden Bears take on the Virginia Union University Panthers. Last year’s winners of the SIAC & CIAA face off at magnificent Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. These conference champions will battle in what will be a title game atmosphere. After the game, stay to see the presentation of the MVP awards and the trophy to the winning team.

Group ticket rates available, please contact Rob Sine at [email protected].

Get individual 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. Miles College's Purple Marching Machine and Virginia Union’s Ambassadors of Sound will battle back and forth to close out the day.