2024 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS/FAN GUIDE

 

Thursday, Aug. 29 (Education Day)

*All events, locations, artists and times subject to change.

READING THE PLAYBOOK — BOOKS SPONSORED BY SHEARER'S FOODS

9 a.m. | Stark and Summit County Schools

Our local community partners and Stark and Summit County's The Divine Nine (Black Greek Letter fraternity and sorority organizations) are committed to coaching kids to an education touchdown through a “Reading the Playbook” event during the Classic weekend. This event incorporates mentors and leaders with elementary students for a time of reading and inspiring a strong first-quarter start in life.

 

CLASSIC COLLEGE FAIR 

9 a.m. - Noon | Hall of Fame Village Campus, Center for Performance

High school students are invited to join colleges from across the country, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities at the 4th Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic College Fair at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. In addition to interacting with college representatives, the fair will include live breakout sessions with college personnel presenting on the admissions process and current or former HBCU students presenting on the experience of attending an HBCU. Please RSVP to secure spots for your students. Seating and capacity are limited for this event. For more information or to reserve spots for your students, contact [email protected].

 

CLASSIC JOB FAIR

4 - 6 p.m. | Timken Commons Campus, 521 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH

In collaboration with Ohio Means Jobs, the third annual Classic Job Fair is returning to highlight job opportunities throughout Stark and Tuscarawas counties.

Register for the fair here.
 

Friday, Aug. 30 (Fellowship Day)

THE RED CARPET AFFAIR

9 p.m. - 1 a.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame, Nash Family Event & Conference Center

In collaboration with TKD Productions. The Red Carpet Affair will once again kick off the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic Weekend inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame — the Nash Event Center! Back by popular demand are the smooth sounds of the Rob Johnson & Friends band. Adults only. Tickets: TBD.

 

Saturday, Aug. 31 (Community Day)

CLEARVIEW GOLF CLASSIC

8 a.m. |  Clearview Golf Club

Join Black College Football Hall of Famers and many others for the Clearview Golf Classic at the historic Clearview Golf Club. Clearview Golf Club is the first golf course in the United States that was constructed, owned and operated by an African American. The course was purchased in 1946 by National Black Golf Hall of Famer Bill Powell and opened as an integrated course to the public in April 1948. For more information, contact Kyle Heim at [email protected] or Vince Guardado at [email protected].  
 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY DAY OF SERVICE

9 a.m. - Noon |  Habitat for Humanity Campus, 1400 Raff Road SW, Canton, OH 44710

Team up with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio for a “Building Blitz” morning. You'll help build and paint the garden sheds that are part of the home each Habitat family purchases. No experience or tools required — bring a good team spirit and Habitat will provide all the tools and materials needed. Huddle up and help make a difference that lasts with Habitat for Humanity! This rain or shine event is free, but registration is required. All participants must be at least 18 years old to participate.


HBCU FAMILY BLOCK PARTY PRESENTED BY CSE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

11 a.m. - 8 p.m. |  Centennial Plaza, Downtown Canton

Join us for a day full of fun in downtown Canton at Centennial Plaza. The Block Party will feature nonstop entertainment including music, line dancing, games, prizes and more. Food trucks and some of the area’s best vendors will be there to show off Canton’s finest. Vendors: TBD. Performers: TBD. 


 

 

FAITH, FAMILY & FOOTBALL GOSPEL CONCERT FEATURING ERICA CAMPBELL PRESENTED BY THE GOOD FEET STORE

5:30 - 8 p.m. | Centennial Plaza, Downtown Canton

As a part of the downtown HBCU Family Block Party, the night will be highlighted with a free gospel concert featuring Grammy award-winning superstar Erica Campbell. Presented by The Good Feet Store. The concert is free, but tickets for VIP seating and combo packages will be available for purchase. Opening acts: TBD. 

Learn more about the concert and tickets here.

OFFICIAL ALL WHITE AFFAIR

9 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. | Cultural Center for the Arts, Canton

In collaboration with the Kappa Tau Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.. Back by popular demand for Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic Weekend — it's the official All White Party presented by the Divine Nine! Adults only. Get your tickets, your white outfit and get ready to start the night with the smooth sounds of Hubb's Groove, then prepare to turn up with DJ Lo-Key. If you attended last year, you already know it is going to be a great night! For more information, contact Monty Pender at 330-754-4376.
 

Sunday, Sept. 1 (Game Day)

CECELIA PONDER INTERFAITH SERVICE

9 - 10:30 a.m. | Centennial Plaza, Downtown Canton

A time to come together to worship, pray, give thanks and enjoy fellowship as a community of believers. All faiths and religious denominations are welcome.

THE CLASSIC TAILGATE PRESENTED BY SUGARDALE

11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus

A “Classic” tradition! Get ready for an energetic pregame experience on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus before kickoff. The tailgate will include nonstop entertainment including music, danctin and more. Vendors: TBD.

 

STARK COUNTY MINORITY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION BUSINESS RECEPTION

Noon - 3 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus

Canton has been recognized as an ideal location for the development and establishment of minority businesses. The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stark Economic Development Board, Stark County Minority Business Association and Stark County Moving Forward have been active in making inroads into assisting the development and expansion of minority businesses. The reception is meant to provide a business-friendly atmosphere for minority and non-minority businesses for fellowship, to exchange business cards and otherwise to meet and greet in hopes of furthering future business relationships and advancing current ones. Cost: $10.

2024 BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASSIC GAME FEATURING BENEDICT COLLEGE AND VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

4 p.m. | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Come watch the Benedict College Tigers take on the Virginia State University Trojans as the two programs face off at the magnificent Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. After the game, stay to see the presentation of the MVP award and the trophy to the winning team.

Get your tickets here.

THE FIFTH QUARTER PRESENTED BY CSE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Immediately following the game | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Stay after the game to watch an exciting HBCU marching band tradition known as the Fifth Quarter. Benedict’s Marching Tiger Band of Distinction and Virginia State’s Trojan Explosion Marching Band will battle back and forth to close out the game.

 

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MUSEUM HOURS/RATES

 

MUSEUM HOURS

 

Thank you Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic sponsors

  

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