โThis is Black college on steroids:โ Florida Classic means excitement for alumni, boon for business
The Bethune Cookman Wildcats and the Florida A&M Rattlers are set to go head to head over the weekend during the annual Florida Classic, but as events are going on small businesses say this is their time to shine.
Businesses take another financial hit after Florida Classic game canceled
ORLANDO, Fla. โ Businesses near Camping World Stadium, many of which have already been struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic, are suffering another financial hit this weekend because the Florida Classic game is canceled because of COVID-19. The Florida Classic is the biggest rivalry game each year and one of the largest athletic fundraisers between Florida A&M University and Bethune Cookman University. Many businesses say theyโre trying to make ends meet since the week-long events for the Florida Classic are going virtual, but it has been tough. Florida Classic event organizers told News 6 there were 55,730 at the classic game last year and the Orange County Comptrollerโs Office said last year the game brought in $28 million in economic impact. You can read about all of the virtual events happening this week for the Florida Classic and how you can donate to FAMU and/or B-CU at floridaclassic.org
Battle of the Bands shifts to virtual event
Nick Solomon said he knows this year things will be different with the classic events going fully virtual due to the pandemic. There are virtual events happening this Tuesday-Saturday as part of the Florida Classic week. Among those are events are like a diversity career fair, a virtual battle of the bands, a pep rally and more. FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson said the donations are welcomed and heโs looking forward to the virtual events this year. More information about the full list of virtual events can be found at FloridaClassic.org.
Florida Classic goes virtual because of pandemic
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ The Florida Classic events this year will look a lot different for alumni and families who usually pack Camping World Stadium for the big game and come to Central Florida for a good time. โNot being able to be in that environment and hear the sound itโs going to be a lot different,โ Solomon said. Event organizers with Florida Citrus Sports are working to keep the spirit alive, but also encourage people to donate virtually to help keep Bethune Cookman University and Florida University growing strong. There are virtual events happening this Tuesday-Saturday as part of the Florida Classic week. Anyone interested in donating or taking part in the Florida Classic can click this link at FloridaClassic.org.
MONDAY HUDDLE: Not even lore of old Orange Bowl can save Miami from FIU upset
Bethune-Cookman knocks off Florida A&M againThe 40th annual Florida Classic was indeed a classic on Saturday, as an announced crowd of more than 55,000 fans saw Bethune-Cookman continue its dominance of Florida A&M. It was the highest-attended Florida Classic game since 2011. The Wildcats earned a 31-27 win over Florida A&M, the ninth straight win for Bethune-Cookman in the series. Florida ended a five-year losing streak to Florida State last year with a 41-14 win in Tallahassee. Apopka (11-1) will host Lutz Steinbrenner in a semifinal on Friday, while Seminole (11-1) suffered its only loss of the season.