City of Dallas and Dallas Sports Commission Unveil Exciting Lineup for State Fair Classic

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Weekend Around Traditional Football Matchup Includes Alumni Events,
Battle of the Bands, and Concerts by CeeLo Green and Chrisette Michele

Dallas (September 25, 2023) – Today, the City of Dallas and the Dallas Sports Commission welcomed the head coaches from Prairie View A&M University and Grambling State University to unveil an exciting lineup of events leading up to the annual State Fair Classic. This historic college football showdown between the Prairie View A&M Panthers and the Grambling State Tigers has been a cherished tradition since the 1980s, renewing their storied rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park.

"The State Fair Classic is a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition that brings our community together,” said City of Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins. “Dallas is proud to host this event and showcase the rich heritage of HBCUs."

Adam Bazaldua, City of Dallas Council Member, District 7, echoed the Mayor Pro Tem’s sentiments, "The State Fair Classic represents the essence of unity and sportsmanship. It's an event that celebrates our diversity and brings people together to enjoy exciting football and captivating performances."

Dating back to 1985, Grambling State holds a 27-10 lead in the series between these two historically Black college and university programs. However, Prairie View A&M has been on a winning streak, claiming victory in the last five meetings, including last year's 34-14 win. This year's highly anticipated clash between these Southwestern Athletic Conference rivals is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2023.

"The State Fair Classic is a tradition deeply ingrained in the fabric of our state,” said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber. “It's a testament to the enduring spirit of HBCUs and the unique blend of sports and culture that defines this event."

The State Fair Classic is renowned for its unique pageantry, featuring captivating halftime performances by the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm and Grambling State University's World Famed Tiger Marching Band. Beyond the game and halftime shows, attendees can look forward to two fantastic concerts on the Chevy Main Stage at the State Fair. ALW Entertainment has secured singer and songwriter sensation CeeLo Green for a pregame concert, as well as Grammy Award winning R&B singer Chrisette Michele, performing postgame.

“We’re thrilled to add world-class artists like CeeLo Green and Chrisette Michele to the great tradition of the State Fair Classic,” said Al Wash, founder of ALW Entertainment. “CeeLo and Christette will make the Chevy Main Stage the place to be for both pregame and postgame parties.”

Several fun events and alumni get-togethers are slated to kick off the weekend, including a VIP reception, a celebrity golf tournament, and a high school battle of the bands for the honor of performing pregame at the State Fair Classic.

"Our aim is to ensure that the State Fair Classic's lead-up events are accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” said Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission Monica Paul. “This celebration is about bringing our community together to share in the richness of our culture, sportsmanship, and tradition."

Schedule of Events
Thursday, September 28th
VIP Reception, Edisons: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
1724 Cockrell Ave., Dallas TX 75215
Sponsors, Special Guests, Alumni – invitation only

Friday, September 29th
Radio-One Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, Cedar Crest Golf Course: 9:00 a.m.
1800 Southerland Ave, Dallas, TX 75203

Prairie View A&M Alumni Dallas Chapter 26th Annual Scholarship Gala & Silent Auction
The Statler Hotel, 1914 Commerce St., Dallas TX 75201
6:00 p.m. VIP Reception & Cocktail Hour; 7:00 p.m. Scholarship Gala
Purchase tickets: www.dallaspvalumni.com

State Fair of Dallas Opening Ceremonies: 7:00 p.m.
Hall of State Steps – Ribbon Cutting, Fireworks
Grambling State University Metro DFW Alumni Chapter: 7:30 p.m.
Welcome Soiree, Gerald Ford Presidential Suite #1434
Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

Saturday, September 30th
Grambling State University Alumni – Dallas Metro Chapter and LHS Marching Band High School Battle of the Bands and Dance Squads: 8:00 a.m.
Beverly Humphrey “Tiger” Stadium, 200 E. Wintergreen, Lancaster, TX 75146
The winner will perform at the pregame activities of the State Fair Classic game.

CeeLo Green Pregame Concert: 4:00 p.m.
State Fair of Texas-Chevy Main Stage

“State Fair Classic Football Game”- Cotton Bowl, Kick Off: 6:00 p.m.
Prairie View A&M Panthers vs Grambling State University Tigers

National Anthem- Albert Wash Jr.
Black National Anthem- Julianna Jeffery
Opening Prayer- Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III
Coin Toss- Michael Sorrell Paul Quinn College President
5th Quarter- a grand finale featuring a battle of bands with GSU and PVAMU

Chrisette Michele Postgame Concert: 8:30 p.m.
State Fair of Texas (Chevy Main Stage)

Grambling State University Alumni-Dallas Metro Chapter: 9:30 p.m.
Postgame Mixer-Gerald Ford Presidential Suite #1434
Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

Sunday, October 1st
Worship Service – Friendship West. Pastor Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III
2020 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, TX 75232
10:00 a.m.; 12:00 p.m. (Virtual)

The Classic Brunch at Sambuca 360: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Jack Daniels Social Media Influencer Mixer
7200 Bishop Rd 270, Plano TX 75024

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About the State Fair Classic
The State Fair Classic is an annual college football game celebrating the rich history, culture, and traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The event takes place at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, featuring thrilling football, halftime performances, live concerts, cultural showcases, food festivals, and educational programs, making it a unique celebration of sports and culture.

About Dallas Sports Commission
The Dallas Sports Commission pursues amateur, grassroots, collegiate and professional championship events, positioning Dallas as the premier sports destination. A division of VisitDallas, the Dallas Sports Commission focuses on generating economic impact as well as improving the quality of life within the community through sports. For more information, visit www.dallassports.org

Media Contacts
Angela Lang, Tony Fay PR | 214.548.0827 | angela@tonyfaypr.com
Dandy Killeen, Tony Fay PR | 817.307.4645 | dandy@tonyfaypr.com