HISTORY OF THE PRINCE GEORGE'S CLASSIC

"Classic" games have occurred for more than 80 years across historically black college and university campuses. Many of them resulted from team rivalries between minority institutions, while others have developed through business ventures of private investors. The concept of a "classic" game has evolved over the years and in some instances have transcended from being much more than a football game and morphed into a true cultural extravaganza. Classic participants return year after year to be a part of the excitement and atmosphere of 'black college football.' They look forward to experiencing the school pageantry, spirit, camaraderie and the beat of the marching bands during the halftime show.

Created by local businessmen Mike Little and Hubert "Petey" Green, president of the Prince George's Black Chamber of Commerce, the inaugural Prince George's Classic featured Howard University and Alcorn State University at FedEx Field (home of the Redskins) in September 2004. Despite torrential rain from Hurricane Ivan, several thousand fans witnessed Howard beat Alcorn State 17-10. The following year, the Prince George's Classic was hampered by torrential rain once again as North Carolina A&T University defeated Morgan State University 40-33 in a very competitive double overtime game at FedEx Field.

The third annual Prince George's Classic moved to Bowie State University's Bulldog Stadium. Five thousand additional seats were added to the stadium to accommodate the influx of fans. With the weather finally cooperating, more than 10,000 people attended the game and watched as North Carolina Central rolled past Bowie State 35-13. In year four, the gridiron match-up featured Bowie State and Saint Paul's College. Bowie pulled out a come from behind victory, beating Saint Paul's 41-30. As the Classic celebrated its five year anniversary last year, the game featured Bowie State and Lincoln University, the first historically black institution of higher education. Bowie State defeated Lincoln 28-2.

Each year, the football game is flanked by a host of festive ancillary events. In the past, events have included a battle of the bands, welcome reception, golf tournament, college fair, health fair, fashion show, comedy show and step show.

This year, Southwest Airlines, the nation’s leading low-fare carrier, became the title sponsor of the Classic. Throughout the years, the Classic has attracted a host of sponsors and partners, including: State Farm; Comcast; FedEx; Pepco; B&W Solutions; The Columbia Bank; Bowie State University Foundation; PhRMA; BDPA; Tec-Masters, Inc.; Downtown Locker Room; Prince George's County; State of Maryland; Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Prince George's County Public Schools; The Mall at Prince Georges; the Prince George’s County Graduate Pan Hellenic Council; and the Washington Informer.

The sixth annual Prince George's Classic is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2009. The Bowie State University Bulldogs will take on the Shaw University Bears in this fierce CIAA gridiron match-up.