N.C. A&T alum and CEO of 100 Black Men of Atlanta Inc., John Grant, is responsible for reserving A&T’s football team a spot in the 2013 Atlanta Football Classic game in Atlanta, Ga. this Saturday.
This game will be the Atlanta Football Classic’s 25th Anniversary game.
The Aggies will face off against the S.C. State University Bulldogs (3-2, 1-0) at 3:30 p.m. in the Georgia Dome.
Presented by 100 Black Men of Atlanta, the classic is one of the nation’s largest HBCU football games, and will telecast nationally on ESPNU.
This year will be the first time the game has been aired on an ESPN network.
“Based on studies we’ve had conducted by independent consultants, statistics show that in terms of brand value, we have one of the best classics out there,” said Grant.
The game features two schools with deep-rooted history in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
For S.C. State, this week’s game will be their first return to the classic since losing to Tennessee State 15-14, in 1995.
“We are creating the perfect environment for the ultimate HBCU experience,” said Grant.
Tickets for the game range from $10 to $50.
The Atlanta Football Classic is the 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s largest fundraiser for its mentoring, academic support, and scholarship program, Project Success.
Proceeds from the game will benefit A&T, S.C. State, and Project Success.
“When you buy a ticket to the game you are providing an opportunity for others,” said Grant.
The 2013 Atlanta Football Classic will also provide a weekend of action-packed activities.
Events range from the Parade of Excellence and the pre-game Fan Fest (party) to the 100 Robotics Showcase and Battle of the Bands halftime show.
“The robotics showcase is for close to 2000 middle school students from the metro-Atlanta school system who will be introduced to STEM [Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics] through the discipline of robotics.”
This year’s halftime show promises to be one of the greatest in the classic’s history. The Blue and Gold Marching Machine of A&T will square off against the Marching 101’s from S.C. State.
The Classic brings in more than 100,000 people and generates $30 million.
“We do all of this to raise scholarships for children from challenged communities,” said Grant.
The Atlanta Football Classic will host a college symposium with students from several HBCUs featuring musician and author, Fonzworth Bentley.
“We will have conversations with young men about manhood, smart decision making, and the process of creating a positive image,” said Grant.
When asked if he had any further comments, Grant said, “Just buy your ticket, go to the game, and support the university.”
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- Kalyn Hoyle, Managing Editor