::RETURN

A HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL CLASSIC IN GORGEOUS PRINCE GEORGE’S

State Farm® Presents the Fourth Annual Prince George’s Classic

LANDOVER, MD – Top government, business and community leaders gathered today to officially announce the fourth annual Prince George’s Classic.  Sponsored by State Farm® and hosted by the Prince George’s Black Chamber of Commerce (PGBCC), this year’s Classic will feature a competitive gridiron match-up between Bowie State University and Saint Paul’s College.  The kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Bowie State University’s Bulldog Stadium on Saturday, September 29, 2007.

Hubert “Petey” Green, president of the PGBCC, made the official announcement during a press conference held at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex.  High ranking officials were also on hand to make the announcement, including Congressman Albert Wynn; Samuel Parker, chairman, Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission; Dr. Mickey Burnim, president of Bowie State University; Pat Fletcher, member, Prince George’s County Board of Education; Maria Jackson, State Farm® public affairs specialist for the Maryland/DC Metro area; Karen Price Ward, regional manager for Southwest Airlines; and Charlie Neal, ESPN play-by-play announcer. 

“The Classic is a great opportunity to celebrate and showcase the ‘black college experience,’ as well as highlight the outstanding attributes, amenities and institutions of Prince George’s County,” stated Green. 

Also in attendance at the press conference were representatives from Senator Ben Cardin’s office, Congressman Steny Hoyer’s office, and Congressman Chris Van Hollen’s office. State Delegate Jay Walker; Councilmember Tony Knotts; Kwasi Holman, president and CEO of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation; and Matthew Neitzey, executive director of the Prince George’s County Conference and Visitors Bureau were there as well.

A host of exciting cultural and community events are also planned for this year’s Classic.  Festivities include a welcome reception, battle of the bands, golf tournament, fashion show, college fair and step show.  The Classic will conclude with church services at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD.

“We have garnered great support from the state, county and business communities,” said Mike Little, president of Prince George’s Classic, Inc.  “With State Farm serving as the title sponsor, we are looking to grow in making this the premier black college football classic in the eastern region.”

The Prince George’s Classic features two teams in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation's oldest black athletic conference.  The Bowie State Bulldogs are coached by Mike Lynn, Jr. and the Saint Paul’s Fighting Tigers are coached by Willard Bailey.

“The Prince George’s Classic is a family oriented event that provides a venue to promote Prince George's County as a great place to live, work and play,” said Holman. “The events bring diverse communities together in celebration.”

The fourth annual Prince George’s Classic is sponsored by State Farm®; Southwest Airlines; Comcast; Pepco; The Columbia Bank; B&W Solutions; Downtown Locker Room; HBCU Connect;  Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; and the Prince George’s County Public Schools.  The Classic’s media partners are The AFRO American Newspapers; Washington Informer; iM4radio.com; Smooth Jazz, 105.9FM; WHUR, 96.3FM; and WPGC, 95.5FM

For the most current updates and information on ticket sales, please contact the Prince George’s Classic office at 301-567-5747, or visit the Web site at www.princegeorgesclassic.com.

2007 PRESS COVERAGE

MEDIA REQUEST FORM (PDF)

PRINCE GEORGE'S CLASSIC BATTLE OF THE BANDS DELIVERS SOULFUL MUSICIANSHIP AND HIGH-STEPPING DANCE MOVES (PDF)

THE PRINCE GEORGE'S CLASSIC WEEKEND HAS ARRIVED (PDF)

PRINCE GEORGE’S CLASSIC EVENT TICKETS ON SALE NOW (PDF)

DATES ANNOUNCED FOR THE FOURTH ANNUAL PRINCE GEORGE'S CLASSIC (PDF)

::Washington Informer
Prince George's Classic to be Held at Bowie State

::News Channel 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79t78pkZOfo

:: Washington Post
Football Classic to Showcase Black Colleges and the County

:: Gazette
Bowie State set to host another Classic

:: Bowie Blade News
BSU will host annual Prince George's Classic