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The 2005 Ford HBCU football classics guide
Ebony, Sept, 2005
The Ford 'Roadies'
On the road again! After a successful tour last year, the Ford "Roadies" are back to participate in numerous activities associated with Ford-sponsored HBCU football classics. For 12 weeks, two recent HBCU graduates--with a background in communications, marketing or related degrees--are selected as Ford ambassadors. In that capacity, they perform duties that will focus on uplifting the community, including discussing the importance of a college education with inner-city children, delivering food to the elderly through the "Meals on Wheels" program and assisting the homeless.
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From week to week, the "Roadies" travel to a different HBCU Classic football city, this year driving in the all-new 2006 Ford Fusion to participate in the games' ancillary events, including hosting step-shows, driving the Fusion in the official parade and handing out information from a booth setup at each football game. Additionally, they participate in a series of national and local media interviews to share their experiences. Further, they chronicle their adventures through video, which airs on the syndicated TV show, Inside the Game, and in an online diary, which can be followed on www.fordroadtrip.com.
The Ford 'Roadies' Schedule
* Ford Detroit Football Classic, September 3
* Southern Heritage Classic, September 10
* Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, September 24
* Circle City Classic, October 1
* Southern University's homecoming, October 8
* North Carolina A&T State University's homecoming, October 15
* Howard University's homecoming, October 22
* Magic City Classic, October 29
* Walt Disney World Florida Classic, November 19
* State Farm Bayou Classic, November 26.
The Ford Detroit Football Classic
The third annual Ford Detroit Football classic on September 3, at Ford Field, features Hampton University against Jackson State University. The previous two Classic games have attracted more than 110,000 fans, making it one of the largest-attended historically Black college classics in the country.
The game is the centerpiece of a series of family-oriented events and activities designed to celebrate and showcase the pageantry of the African-American collegiate experience. At the same time, the weekend increases awareness and exposure of youth and adults to HBCUs. During the past two contests, thousands of fans have attended one of the primary ancillary events held during the football classic weekend--a charity gala, a Greek step-show and an empowerment fair/pre-game tailgate party. Another highlight is the halftime "battle of the bands" competition.
During the weekend, fans will have a chance to acquaint themselves with Ford's newest vehicle lineup, and Ford will conduct a Ford Field Goal Challenge, where two fans will have a chance to kick a field goal for a Ford Mustang. There also will be a Fantastic Trip Giveaway, where 10 fans will win a trip to the game and tickets to all of the football classic-related events via an online contest. Visit www.detroitfootballclassic.com for more information and to enter to win.
The Southern Heritage Classic
The 16th annual Southern Heritage Classic on September 10 in Memphis, Tenn., pits the Tennessee State University Tigers against the Jackson State University Tigers at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. The game has been described as "the largest annual, single-day event in Memphis." "The great thing about this matchup," says Fred Jones Jr., founder and producer of the Southern Heritage Classic, "is how intensely these two teams go at each other."
At this year's classic, Ford will host the ultimate tailgate party, and fans will have a chance to meet the Ford "Roadies," play games for prizes and marvel at some of Ford's hottest vehicles at the Ford Experience Tour--a mini auto show that will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on game day. Visit www.southernheritageclassic.com for more information.
Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic
The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic on September 24 in Atlanta's Georgia Dome features Florida A& M University against Tennessee State University, two institutions that traditionally produce ranked football and world-renowned marching bands. This year, Ford continues its support of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and its signature program, Project Success, which provides mentoring and outreach activities to African-American students. Proceeds generated from the game go toward Project Success.
One of the game-related highlights will be the Parade of Excellence, which will include a collection of Ford Mustangs. Fans can also check out Ford's sponsor corner on game day outside the Georgia Dome and inspect some of Ford's hottest new vehicles at the Ford Experience Tour. Visit www.theatlantafootballclassic.com for more information.
The Walt Disney World Florida Classic
On November 19, when Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman College clash at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, it will represent the 26th anniversary of one of the most intense rivalries among HBCU competitors. The festivities will kickoff with the presidents' scholarship gala, considered by many to be the weekend's premier social event.
