The Florida Classic is not just a football game between the Florida A&M University Rattlers and Bethune Cookman University Wildcats. It is not just a 30 year rivalry between these two universities. It’s an HBCU tradition. One that brings students, alumni, family and friends to Orlando, FL to participate in the fanfare of the most attended NCAA Division I-AA college football game in the nation.
Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Florida Classic has surpassed the Bayou Classic, boasting having over 1.5 million spectators. This college football game transforms Orlando, FL into event central with a variety of events taking place all over the city. The festivities all ready underway, but it’s not too late for you to join the fun. The events will continue well into Sunday afternoon and they are still plenty of tickets available if you are interested in attending.
This year the Amway Center will hold the Florida Blue battle of the Bands. This show will be filled with well choreographed moves performed by pumped up dance teams alongside their schools top ranking high school marching band. Attendees will see performances by the Marching Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University and the world famous Marching 100 of Florida A&M University.
Here is a list of the high school bands that will be playing:
Participating High School Bands:
Bahamas All*Stars
Barron Collier Marching Cougars
Burke High Stepping Bulldog Band
Dillard Marching Panthers “The Force”
Jones Marching Tiger Band
Palm Beach Lakes The Ram Regiment
Piper Marching Band of Pride
Southwest DeKalb Marching Panther Band
Tri-Cities High School Marching Bulldog Band
Many of the events do run concurrently so you’ll have to choose your pleasure. For instance, while the Battle of the Bands taking place the Official Classic Step Show is being held at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. Everyone should experience a Classic Step Show at least once. These greek fraternities and sororities compete for prizes and absolutely the bragging rights.
The excitement in watching a Florida Classic Step Show comes from the way each team moves and steps and brining in everything from gymnastics to break dancing to even tap dancing. Some teams may include African and/or Caribbean music or dance moves or they may even perform stunts as a part of their routine. But no matter what is incorporated into this step show one thing is for sure. It is TRULY not to be missed.
On Saturday, join Blue Cross and Blue Shield for a pregame tailgate in the northwest corner of the stadium campus then it’s game-time. The BCBS Florida Classic kicks off at 2:30pm and will be broadcasted on ESPN Classic for those not fortunate enough to attend. Then after the game Frontline Promotions & Doug E. Fresh turn it up a notch for the Official Florida Classic After Party. This event takes place at the Orlando House of Blues and is presented in association with Insights Marketing & Blazin Entertainment. There will be live performances by Doug E. Fresh and Big Daddy Kane. Music will be by DJ Ace of “The Moon”, DJ Lyvwyr of “Front-Line” and Chill Will. If you havent experienced a Doug E. Fresh party then you need to run on over to buy your ticket, fast, because this event sells out every year.
Best tip for getting through Classic Weekend without burnout…take it one event at a time.
For more details visit: http://floridaclassic.org or http://myfamfam.ning.com
