Every fall, thousands of football fans descend on Memphis for the annual Southern Heritage Classic to see their alma maters battle it out on the field — but this event is about more than football. It’s a festival-like celebration featuring step shows, alumni gatherings and other events that bring together friends, families and fans of HBCU traditions.
Every fall, thousands of football fans descend on Memphis for the annual Southern Heritage Classic to see their alma maters battle it out on the field — but this event is about more than football. It’s a festival-like celebration featuring step shows, alumni gatherings and other events that bring together friends, families and fans of HBCU traditions.
This year’s 36th annual Southern Heritage Classic brings a new matchup: the Alcorn State University Braves, in their first Southern Heritage Classic appearance, against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions.
The game is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Memphis’ Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, with events taking place all weekend long, Sept. 25 –27, 2025.
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium has reduced capacity due to ongoing renovations, so tickets are limited. Get yours now!
History of the Southern Heritage Classic
Since the 1990 college football season, the Southern Heritage Classic has been one of the biggest HBCU games of the year, with between 40,000 and 60,000 fans attending the matchup at Memphis’ Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
For nearly 30 years, Tennessee State University met Jackson State University in a longstanding rivalry game, and now the Southern Heritage Classic has a new matchup: Alcorn State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
In Memphis, you can feel the struggles and triumphs, experience the music and movements, and discover the legends and unsung heroes of Black History. Important historical sites, poignant museums, soulful recording studios and inspiring special events point the way.
Can't-Miss Events During Southern Heritage Classic Weekend
The weekend’s action isn't limited to the football field. The Southern Heritage Classic is a cultural celebration complete with live music, a comedy show, tailgating, a battle of the bands and more.
Thursday, September 25
Classic Comedy Live
8 p.m., Orpheum Theatre
Get ready to laugh with comedians Bruce Bruce, Adele Givens and Jammin Jay Lamont. Get tickets by calling the Orpheum Theatre box office at (901) 525-3000 or at ticketmaster.com.
Friday, September 26
Classic College & Career Fair
8:30 a.m., Memphis Sports & Events Center
Join representatives from regional colleges, universities and businesses to learn about college admissions and employment opportunities.
Classic Coaches Luncheon
Noon, Renasant Convention Center/Grand Ballroom
The Classic Coaches Luncheon pays tribute to the coaches of the Southern Heritage Classic, Cedric Thomas of Alcorn State and Alonzo Hampton of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. This event is by invitation only.
Classic Concert
7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre
Hear jazz standards and original compositions by the Branford Marsalis Quartet, currently on their “Belonging” tour. For tickets, call the Orpheum Theatre box office at (901) 525-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, September 27
Classic Tailgate
8 a.m., Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium parking lots and Tiger Lane
A tradition like no other, the Classic Tailgate is all about friends, food and football.
Penny Hardaway Memphis District Golf Classic
8 a.m., Tunica National Golf & Tennis
Hit the greens in this four-man scramble for $500 per team. Proceeds benefit youth golf programs. Visit memphisdistrictgolfclassic.org for more information.
Classic Parade
9 a.m., Park Avenue from Haynes to Airways
Watch and hear Memphis-area high school marching bands parade down Park Avenue.
Classic Battle of the Bands
11 a.m., Whitehaven High School Stadium
The region’s best high school show bands compete with show-stopping dance routines. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the event. For tickets and information, contact Walter Banks Jr. at (901) 497-2015 or [email protected], or Vincent Smith at (901) 831-7624 or [email protected].
Classic Fashion Show
11 a.m., Halloran Centre for the Performing Arts
The Memphis chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. presents “Tea Time Elegance.” To purchase tickets and for additional information, visit memphisncbw.com.
Southern Heritage Classic Football Game
6 p.m., Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
Round out the weekend with a football rivalry game between Alcorn State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Tickets range from $23 to $53, plus service charges, and are available at ticketmaster.com.
At halftime, catch the AutoZone Halftime Show featuring ASU’s Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite and UAPB’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South in a show you won’t want to miss.
Classic 5th Quarter
Postgame, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
Once the final whistle is blown and the teams leave the field, a new competition begins. The Classic 5th Quarter battle of the bands brings another level of bragging rights.
This schedule is subject to change, so check social media as you’re making plans.
