Spin Off Topic: Are HBCU Athletic Programs Too Dependent on "Classics?"

[Aggie Blues]

While Reading some other topics on this site and others...this thought has been looming in my head for a few days:

Are HBCU athletic programs and Fans Becoming too dependent on so-called "Classics?"

To me it seems as now every week somebody is hosting something whether it be the Fish Bowl in Norfolk or the Florida Classic in Orlando. With the exception of the Major players (ie: Circle City, Bayou, Atlanta Football Classic, Florida Classic, Whitney Young, etc...) does anyone else feel that its becoming a scene where folks are adding the word "classic" to a game just to get butts in the stands? I feel as the Novelty and appeal of HBCU Classics is becoming diluted because there are so many so-called "Classics" on the circuit. Could this be part of the reason that games such as the Angel City Classic Flopped like R.Kelly's Untitled Album?  

A compiled list of BCF Classics can be found HERE

Onnidan Insiders let me hear your viewpoints about this topic...

[Oldschoolram]

Yes!

[ASURAMFAN]

I believe two Classics are enough for any team to play, if that many.  The games need to be between two rivals that will draw support from each school.  Just people coming to the game to look cute isn't what football is about to me.  It really has to mean something like our game against Fort Valley, which has outgrown the ability for either of our schools to host it at this point even with two newer stadiums.  That game has just about outgrown the stadium in Columbus after playing there only 20 years.

[y04185]

not in the ciaa.  for us a classic is just another game.

[ASURAMFAN]

not in the ciaa.  for us a classic is just another game.

Good point, when the word 'Classic' is mentioned around here everyone knows exactly what game you are talking about. 

[Aggie Blues]

I just think that its overkill when you have a classic match up every week...and still drawing flies...if it ain't a historic rival, played for a trophy, or have a series of events leading up to it..just call it a game and keep it moving

[EL JAY]

All the word "classic" is ...in all reality, is a marketing term.   MOST of these classic start out with the right intentions and end up something far less.

I remember when we did the Willie Gary Classic in Jax (EWC vs Shaw)...we had Alltel Stadium...17-19k came to the game.  Then folks changed the venue to Raines HS and baaaaaaarley 3000 came.  Venue, Venue, Venue....bands, good teams..and some tradition all help.

[Branj2]

If its not a rivalry game, or a well anticipated game, then just play the damn thing at home. I'm tired of seeing these "classic" games between teams and noone has any interest in it.

[Jay_Thomas]

   hey, nothing really new here.   

Every "classic" ain't a "Classic" just cause it has the name "classic" on it.

There are those that are consistently big draws and have been over the years.

There are always some so-called promoters trying to promise one of our schools the high heavens to participate in some classic in some remote place nobody really plans on going to.

I wouldn't say our schools are dependent on them. I wouldn't want more than 2 on our schedule.  For those OLD classics like the Bayou, Florida, Skegee-Morehouse, SHC, Atlanta Classic, those have been around a good while.

You have to keep some home games AT HOME for your students to enjoy! THATS how you build school spirit, legacy, tradition, etc. Most of them cannot afford to travel all over the states for the latest NECKBONE/CORNBREAD CLASSIC of the month. 

[Golden Kitten]

I'm going to say this and I know some of y'all are gonna start wailing but...

Perhaps if some of us weren't so silly, we would understand that we wouldn't have all these classics IF WE didn't feel the need to always be entertained with something OTHER THAN THE GAME...if WE had sense enough to come early, tailgate, go into the game, finish tailgating AFTER the game, and go home.

[Bigdaddy]

RIGHT ON GK !!! That's telling it like it is.