Every September, Memphis becomes the epicenter of HBCU football and this year, the stage got a serious upgrade. The 37th annual Southern Heritage Classic returns September 11–12, 2026, and for the first time, fans will experience it inside a fully renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Every September, Memphis becomes the epicenter of HBCU football and this year, the stage got a serious upgrade. The 37th annual Southern Heritage Classic returns September 11–12, 2026, and for the first time, fans will experience it inside a fully renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
After a $226 million transformation, the stadium is nearly complete: new premium clubs, suites, a first-ever stadium kitchen and upgraded sightlines throughout. This is more than a football game — it's a full weekend of step shows, alumni reunions, a parade, a battle of the bands and the kind of energy that only an HBCU Classic can bring.
A Brand-New Stadium Experience
Fans who've been to the Classic before are in for a different night out. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium wrapped its three-phase, multi-year renovation just ahead of the 2026 season, and the difference is dramatic: a rebuilt West Side Tower with 300-level club seating, 400-level Founders Suites, a connected 500/600-level club experience, and a suspended 200-level kitchen serving the entire tower — a first for the stadium. It's the same rivalry-fueled atmosphere Classic fans love, now with the concourses, suites and amenities of a modern stadium. Tickets are no longer capped by construction. This is the stadium at its finished, full capacity, so it's worth locking in seats early.
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, drawing tens of thousands of fans to Memphis. For nearly 30 years, it was defined by the Tennessee State University–Jackson State University rivalry.
In 2025, the Classic introduced a new matchup, Alcorn State University vs. the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and that pairing is back for round two in 2026, with both programs looking to claim bragging rights in a rivalry still being written.
The Classic is one of countless ways Memphis' Black history and culture come to life all year long from Civil Rights landmarks to soulful recording studios, Black-owned restaurants and shops, and a calendar full of festivals and events. Explore Memphis' Black Culture for trip ideas, history tours and recommendations to build out the rest of your visit.
Can't-Miss Events During Southern Heritage Classic Weekend
The weekend's action isn't limited to the football field. Southern Heritage Classic weekend is a cultural celebration complete with live music, tailgating, a parade and a battle of the bands.
Friday, September 11
Classic College & Career Fair 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Memphis Sports & Events Center Regional colleges, universities and businesses share info on admissions and job opportunities. Free admission.
Classic Coaches Luncheon, presented by FedEx Noon, Renasant Convention Center/Grand Ballroom A tribute to Arkansas-Pine Bluff head coach Alonzo Hampton and Alcorn State head coach Cedric Thomas, with special guest speaker Curtis Symonds, President/Co-Founder of HBCU GO. Invitation only.
Classic Concert 8 p.m., venue and lineup TBA — check southernheritageclassic.com for updates as the date gets closer.
Saturday, September 12
Classic Tailgate 8 a.m., Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium parking lots and Tiger Lane Friends, food and football — now with premium tailgating packages available through Ticketmaster for fans who want to upgrade the pregame.
Penny Hardaway Memphis District Golf Classic 8 a.m., Tunica National Golf & Tennis A four-man scramble benefiting youth golf programs. $800 per team.
Classic Parade 9 a.m., Park Avenue from Haynes to Airways Presented by the Orange Mound Community Parade Committee, featuring area high school marching bands.
Classic Battle of the Bands 10 a.m., Whitehaven High School Stadium The region's best high school show bands go head-to-head with show-stopping routines. Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 day of.
Classic Fashion Show & Brunch: "Crowned in Heritage" 11 a.m., The Great Hall Presented by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. — Memphis Chapter. Tickets $100.
Southern Heritage Classic Football Game 6 p.m., Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Arkansas-Pine Bluff takes on Alcorn State in the newly renovated stadium's marquee event of the year. Tickets start at $23 and are available at ticketmaster.com.
At halftime, catch the AutoZone Halftime Show featuring UAPB's Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South and ASU's Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite.
Classic 5th Quarter Postgame, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Once the final whistle blows, the Classic 5th Quarter battle of the bands brings one more round of bragging rights.
This schedule is subject to change, so check southernheritageclassic.com and social media as you make plans.
