MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A weekend full of football, music, and tradition will once again take over the Bluff City, as the 35th Southern Heritage Classic (SHC) gets underway.
The classic has been a staple for HBCU football fans for decades, and it has become a chance for friends, families, and alumni to come together in Memphis.
“It’s my 35th year coming to the classic…You know we’re going to have fun, we’re coming again and again,” said Ms. Margaret "Chris" Whitfield, now attending her 35th Year At SHC.
Memphis Travel calls the classic one of the biggest events of the fall. According to a statement by the leaders behind the SHC, this event typically brings in roughly 50,000 visitors, sold out area hotels, and more than $20 million into the local economy.
“It’s always something new yet old, melting together," said Whitfield, “I get to see friends who have followed the classic throughout the years.”
2024 brings a new challenge for the Southern Heritage Classic however. Earlier this year, demolition and renovations began on the Liberty Bowl where the classic is played, limiting the amount of seating and parking. This has left some entities nervous on how this could potentially slow down business on what is typically a busy time of year.
But Wayne Tabor, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Memphis Hotel & Lodging Association says, even with those obstacles present, this is still proving to be a good year coming out of the pandemic.
“Our occupancies for downtown Memphis are better this weekend than they have been for a while,” said Tabor.
And while the venue may look different this year, to those like Whitfield, the memory and energy of SHC remains the same.
“Though Jackson State is no longer with us, the classic still remains the event that it started out being," said Whitfield. "Life is changes and we just adapt and move on.”
Events on Saturday, Sept. 14 include:
- Tailgating which starts at 8 a.m.
- Battle of the Bands at 11 a.m.
- Kickoff at 6 p.m.
Tickets for the Southern Heritage Classic can be found HERE.