The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE local audience should look forward to the complete “Historically Black College and University football experience” which provides entertainment both on and off the field during a “classic” weekend, according to HBCUX network CEO and founder, Curtis Symonds.

That experience will now be even more affordable for all Bahamians as ticket prices were reduced last night to $10, $20 and $50. General admission is now at $10, while platinum tickets are just $50.

The matchup on the field between the Central State Marauders and Texas Southern Tigers is just one of the events that will headline the Bahamas HBCUX Classic September 12-13. The weekend will get started 8am to 3pm September 12 with a Celebrity Golf Tournament at the One and Only Ocean Club.

There will also be a college fair and empowerment workshop 1-3pm at the Melia Nassau Resort Hotel, Cable Beach. Both events will will be followed by a “Classic Old-School Party” 9pm until at the Atlantis resort.

Game-day will feature a myriad of events beginning at 12pm with the Coca Village Tailgate Party. The star-studded concert will feature performances from the Bahamas’ hottest recording artists as well as other regional and international acts.

Local artists expected to perform include Julien Believe, Puzzle, Q’Pid and Angelique Sabrina. International performers will include Shar Jackson and Whodini.

The game takes place at 5pm and will be followed by a Junkanoo rush-out and the highly anticipated “Battle of the Bands” between Central State’s “Marching Maurauders” and Texas Southern’s “Ocean of Soul.”

Both Central State and Texas Southern have each donated three full 4-year scholarships, inclusive of tuition, room and board, to their respective universities.

“I have a deep appreciation of the Islands. This historic event gives us the opportunity for us to showcase the Bahamas, its people, culture and what it brings to the table. For me it’s a dream come true, to be able to bring a black college football classic to the islands. We plan to really grow it year after year after year.

“HBCUX, what we want to highlight and bring to the islands is the experience of going to a black college. Take it a next step - what we want to do is drive the education, the empowerment and the culture that we have here in the Bahamas. We want it to continue to grow year after year after year. The network is going to provide a network to help young students in the Bahamas get to historically black colleges. Part of our programme will be having a career fair to be able to recruit even more students and student athletes to attend our HBCUs.

“So we need your support not only for the game but to enrol in our universities.” Symonds said: “HBCU’s are looking for places where they can grow and provide more exposure to who they are. Bringing the classic to the Bahamas for the next three years I think is a drive to creating an HBCU destination in the Bahamas, and that is big. It is very big. I’m from Bermuda, I can’t get them to think out of the box. So to come to a country that understands how to think out of the box, how to be able to take an opportunity, how to take a chance, it is extraordinary. I am going to deliver a product and I am going to fill that house.”

Sports tourism general manager Virginia Kelly said fans would appreciate the dropped prices. “We want people to know that this is their chance to see an official NCAA game. This is something you don’t want to miss and so get your tickets at these incredible prices,” she said.

Tickets can be purchased from the event’s box office at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium on Thompson Boulevard, telephone 325-0372 or at any of the following outlets: Bahamatrack Technology, Lagoon Court, Sandyport, telephone 702-3123,

Curley’s Barber Shop, Robinson Road & 8th Street (across from Checkers Caf�,) telephone 677-1523, GQ Diplomat Barber Shop, Madeira & Tedder Street (across from Micronet), phone 462-6973 or 323-7369, GameX Sports Bar and Restaurant, Mackey and East Bay Street (at the foot of the PI Bridge) phone 601-2004, and any of the “A Sure Win” locations.