MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 9, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Celebrating its 16th year, the Southern Heritage Classic Presented by FedEx is enjoying its biggest exposure yet -- thanks to its corporate partners.
"You're known by the company you keep," said Fred Jones, founder of the Classic and president of SMC Entertainment, "and the Classic has some of the foremost companies in America partnering with us. They appreciate the value of the Classic, and they know the community appreciates their involvement with us."
The Classic's corporate partners include Fortune 500 companies, as well as some of Forbes magazine's World's Leading Top 100 Companies and some of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies: FedEx, AutoZone, Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, Ford Motor Company, Nike, Allstate Insurance and United Technologies Carrier.
"You add that list of honors to highly valued Mid-South brands such as First Tennessee, Grand Casino, Tyson Foods -- you've got a winning combination."
The 16th annual Southern Heritage Classic presented by FedEx is scheduled for September 7-10, 2005. Tickets to the Classic football on September 10 featuring Tennessee State University and Jackson State University are on sale now. Tickets are $10-$35, and all seats are reserved. They are available at all area Ticketmaster outlets, including the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium box office, or online at www.southernheritageclassic.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 Classic football game is 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 visit us 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)