MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 11, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Southern Heritage Classic presented by FedEx will explode into its 16th year on September 10 -- and 'It's All About the Game.'
The football game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium pits the Tennessee State Tigers against archrival Jackson State Tigers, and more than a win or a loss is on the line -- these two teams love to come out on top when they play. Kickoff is 6 p.m.
"The great thing about this match-up," said Fred Jones Jr., founder and producer of the Southern Heritage Classic, "is how intense these two teams go at each other."
"That's why this year, we're saying: 'It's All About the Game.' When you really come down to it, that describes the Classic. That's what draws 50,000-plus people."
The Tigers from Tennessee State have roared the loudest over the last two years, but they can't be complacent this year. Jackson State will be hungrier than ever to hang a "W" in the Win column.
This year, both teams will only have one game experience before they tangle in Memphis, heightening the expectations of a big win at the Classic.
The energy will crackle even during half-time with the Battle of the Bands. The AutoZone Halftime Show spotlights the fancy steps and charging music of Tennessee State's marching band, "Aristocrat of Bands" and Jackson State's marching band, "The Sonic Boom of the South."
Tickets to the game go on sale this Friday, July 15. Tickets are $10 - $35, and all seats are reserved. They will be available at all area Ticketmaster outlets, including the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium box office (opens 8/15/05), or online at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call (901) 525-1515.
The Southern Heritage Classic debuted in 1990 and was founded by Fred Jones Jr., a 30-year veteran of the national entertainment industry and owner/limited partner of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies. The event is produced by Jones' company, SMC Entertainment, and the football game attendance makes it the largest annual single-day event in Memphis. For information about the Classic, call SMC Entertainment at (901) 398-6655 or toll free (800) 332-1991 or online at www.southernheritageclassic.com.
Corporate Partners
FedEx - AutoZone - Allstate Insurance - Nike
Ford Division - Coca-Cola - Budweiser - First Tennessee
Grand Casino Tunica - United Technologies Carrier
Governor's Highway Safety Office - Tyson Foods
Media Partners
Clear Channel Radio - WHRK-FM; KJMS-FM; WDIA-AM; WHAL-FM
Clear Channel Television - WPTY-TV (ABC); WLMT-TV (UPN)