Grind City Football: 7 reasons to hit up Southern Heritage Classic weekend … even if you didn’t go to an HBCU
Michael WallaceBy Lee Eric Smith
Grind City Media CorrespondentSo in the spirit of full disclosure, this is written by someone who attended neither Jackson State University nor Tennessee State University. In fact, this perspective comes from someone who didn’t go to a Historically Black College or University at all.
Ole Miss alum here.
But that’s the beauty of Southern Heritage Classic Weekend, which kicks off with activities on Thursday and culminates with Saturday’s showdown between JSU and TSU at Liberty Bowl Stadium: You don’t have to have a Tiger in the fight to feel right at home.
What started in 1990 as a NCAA Division II rivalry game has grown into a massive civic and cultural celebration that reportedly boosts the Memphis economy by an estimated $21 million. No wonder SHC Founder Fred Jones Sr. compares it to another big, annual football game.
“The Super Bowl is a football game that they built a lot of things around,” Jones said. “The Classic is just like the Super Bowl. The same elements are there, just on a different level. Entertainment has always been a major part of The Classic.”
So even if you didn’t go to JSU or TSU – or even an HBCU – that’s no reason to stay home this weekend. Here are seven reasons to get into Classic Weekend:
1. The Music, Part 1:
College days swiftly pass, and nothing conjures fond memories quite like “old school” R&B. Two legends will take the Orpheum stage on Thursday night in Jeffrey Osborne (“Stay With Me Tonight,” and “On The Wings of Love”) and Stephanie Mills (“I Have Learned To Respect The Power of Love,” and “I Feel Good All Over.”). The Classic Concert is hosted by comedian/impressionist Jammin’ Jay Lamont. Remember back when all an artist needed was their voice and stage presence to blow a crowd away? This is your show.
2. The Tom Joyner Morning Show:
Either set your alarm clock for 2:30 a.m. Friday or don’t go to sleep at all. Each year, national radio personality Tom Joyner broadcasts his syndicated show live from Tiger Lane, starting at 5 a.m. If you go, plan ahead because traffic will be intense. Or you can just enjoy the show over the air on V101. But why would you miss this opportunity to party at Tiger Lane — before the sun even comes up?
3. The Music, Part 2:
Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds and Fantasia headline the Classic Music Festival Friday night at the Landers Center. Remember: Fantasia cancelled a March performance at FedExForum because she suffered second-degree burns, so this is something of a make-up show. I’m not the biggest Fantasia fan, but I saw her at SHC Weekend two years ago. Even if Babyface wasn’t going to be there to croon “Whip Appeal” and “Tender Lover,” Fantasia’s down-home vibe, high-powered voice and high energy show would still be worth the price of admission — even if you don’t know the songs.
After debuting its halftime show in Atlanta last week, Tennessee State’s marching band will be rocking Liberty Bowl Stadium with Jackson State’s band at Saturday’s Southern Heritage Classic.
4. The Parade:
Because who doesn’t love a parade? Dozens of high school bands, dance squads, car clubs, military bands and more line up Saturday morning in Orange Mound to march through the streets near the Liberty Bowl. Presented by the Orange Mound Parade Committee, think of it as a chance to celebrate and cheer for young people doing positive things in Memphis. Starts at 9 a.m., so again: Get there early.
5. The Tailgate:
One could make a strong argument that the SHC Tailgate overshadows the game that inspired it. Of course, there will be all kinds of food and drink. But to me, the real reason to stroll through Tiger Lane Saturday afternoon is the palpable sense of goodwill and harmony that permeates the air like smoke from a grill. Strike up a conversation with a stranger. They’ll probably make you a hot plate of barbecue, catfish, spaghetti and cole slaw — with a slice of “light bread.” Who can say no to that?
6. Battle of Bands:
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of the HBCU football experience — anywhere — is the Battle of the Bands. The competition between marching bands is at least as intense as the game itself, maybe more so. Jackson State alums are certain that “The Sonic Boom of the South” will prevail, while Tennessee State fans are sure that “The Aristocrat of Bands” will steal the show. The real winners, of course, are the fans in the stands who will be treated to the spectacle. Oh, and don’t rush away after the game — after the buzzer, the bands informally do battle again in what they call “The Fifth Quarter.” Music to the ears.
7. The Game:
Wait a minute. That’s right, there is a football game. And if you don’t know for whom to cheer, just root for the Tigers. Jackson State Tigers or Tennessee State Tigers. Either way, you can’t lose.
The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Memphis Grizzlies. All opinions expressed by Michael Wallace and/or Lee Eric Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Memphis Grizzlies or its Basketball Operations staff, owners, parent companies, partners or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Memphis Grizzlies and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media.
Published on Sep 07, 2016
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