MEMPHIS, Tenn — Thousands of people are expected to fill Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to take part in the 35th annual Southern Hertiage Classic.
The two teams facing off on the gridiron are Tennessee State University Tigers and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions.
The rainfall from Hurricane Francine could hurt the number people showing up to the big game. However, fans from both teams have already began tailgating at Liberty Stadium a day before kickoff starts.
On Friday, music, food, and excited fans could be heard in the parking lot of Liberty Stadium. For 35 years, the Southern Heritage Classic has brought in an average economic impact of 20 million dollars to the Memphis area.
Corey Moore with the Mississippi Delta Boyz said he and his group of friends will cook and have a great day no matter what the inclement weather brings.
"As you can see they're already in here in this rain and so it ain't stopping nothing, it's just water. That's all, we gonna have fun regardless. Mississippi Delta Boyz in the house we celebrating," Moore said.
Rainfall coming to a big football game typically does not draw a large crowd. However, that's not the case for UAPB alumna Precilla Wade. She told ABC24 as a loyal fan nothing was going to stop her from coming to Memphis.
"It did not deter me because one thing about it I am a loyal supporter, so Francine would not let us be great this year but it did not deter me from coming to the came because I will always support UAPB," Wade said.
This will be the second year UAPB will be playing TSU in the classic. For decades, TSU played the Jackson State University Tigers. The attendance since JSU has not played in the historic classic has dwindled. In 2022, more than 51,000 fans watched TSU and JSU play, but in 2023, TSU played UAPB with more than 32,000 fans in attendance.
UAPB alumnus Kenneth Bloodshaw told ABC24 he appreciates JSU playing in the Southern Heritage Classic as long as they did, but he believes it's time for another team to shine.
"I think it's a real new thing, it's kind of a new energy and a lot of fire behind this so. I think the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is going to be around for a while doing the Southern Heritage Classic," Bloodshaw said.
TSU fan Jackie Gipson said she loves the classic because it's an opportunity to celebrate the culture. She said she's not too upset about not continuing the history of playing in the classic without Jackson State University.
"This is just a thing that we do here every year, so no matter who's playing we're going to be here to support," Gipson said.
TSU and UAPB will be kicking off the game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium September 14, at 6pm.