INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Fans from all over the country on Saturday said the atmosphere is what keeps bringing them back to the Circle City Classic.
Christopher Rollins, a graduate of Tennessee State University, said the Classic always reminds him of an HBCU-style homecoming.
“It’s all about the vibe, the experience, the family, the fellowship, the fun, the food, just the whole atmosphere,” Rollins said.
The Classic has long been a marquee event on the HBCU football calendar, with this year’s matchup featuring the Miles College Golden Bears and the Morgan State University Bears. Rollins’ friend, Arnetta Scruggs, also a Tennessee State alum, said all HBCUs have a strong connection with one another.
“Going to an HBCU is that family experience, that family fun that we have to always support us, right?” she said. “Just to have all these Black-owned vendors out here, to just be able to support, and it’s kind of like a family reunion.”
South Street served as fan central before, during, and after the game. Indianapolis-based professional wrestling promotion WCWO Wrestling put on exhibition matches. Fans could visit food trucks or peruse local vendors. Jerri Stone set up a booth for officially licensed merchandise for Delta Sigma Theta, a historically Black sorority. Stone said she has been a certified vendor for three years, but had never been to the Circle City Classic until this year.
“It’s pretty lively,” Stone said. “The visitors and shoppers are always nice. I’ve noticed a lot of the high school students around, and I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to learn about HBCUs.”
Tamme Price came from Chicago to see her first-ever Circle City Classic after her sister invited her. She said she made an entire weekend out of it.
“I’m off the weekend, why not drive a couple hours to Indianapolis, see the Indiana Fever and the Aces in the semifinal, and the Battle of the Bands at the Circle City Classic? This is a great weekend,” Price said.
Price, Rollins, and Scruggs all said the Battle of the Bands at halftime was their favorite part.
“The camaraderie is really nice,” Price said. “To see the kids, and they’re so excited about these bands and about the game, it was really good. A great representation for kids that may want to go to HBCUs, as well as interested in band life because those bands perform! We all watch football games, but the Battle of the Bands is what makes this special.”
Price said she already plans to bring her adult son with her to next year’s Circle City Classic.
