MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 14, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- For its 16th year, the Southern Heritage Classic presented by FedEx went into overtime for one of the most exciting games ever in the event.
"The fans could not have asked for a more thrilling performance," said Fred Jones Jr., founder and producer of the Classic. "Tennessee State University and Jackson State University both played their hearts out. You could see it."
On Saturday night, September 10th, the game itself was a hard fought see-saw battle that ended up tied 14-14 at the end of regulation. Tennessee State scored in overtime to pull out the victory, 20-14. The game was televised to a national audience by the BET network.
For the game, 48,300 fans jammed Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, while thousands more continued their tailgate party in the parking lots.
The Southern Heritage Classic is the premier sports and entertainment event in Memphis.
In addition to the stirring game, this year's Classic was graced by several entertainment stars. Movie star Samuel L. Jackson and rapper/actor LL Cool J attended, while major stars from the movie "G", Blair Underwood, Richard T. Jones and Andre Royo took in various Classic events and Jive recording artist Charlie Wilson performed the national anthem.
In addition to the game, this year's Classic encompassed:
-- K97 Summer Jam concert, featuring Jermaine Dupri, Baby,
Three 6 Mafia and others
-- The Ed 'Too Tall' Jones Golf Classic, led by the legendary
player for the Dallas Cowboys
-- A concert at nearby Grand Casino Tunica, with two R&B classic
acts: Stephanie Mills and Jeffrey Osborne
-- A post-game concert at Grand Casino Tunica by Charlie Wilson
The charitable arm of the Classic -- the Southern Heritage Foundation -- gave grants totaling $20,000 to four nonprofit community organizations. In addition, a special grant of $10,000 was made to The Food Bank to help feed the thousands of hurricane Katrina survivors who have fled to Memphis.
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
presenting sponsor
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)