It's also anniversary time. This is No. 25.
How good has the game been? Well, let's start at the start.
The lengendary Eddie Robinson coached in the first one. The legendary Jerry Rice played in the first one.
Talk about establishing a legacy.
Robinson, the Grambling State coach, is merely regarded as one of the greatest leaders of men in his generation. Noticed I said leader of men, not of football players.
He changed lives.
And Rice, then a little known wide receiver from Mississippi Valley State, only went onto to become the greatest ever to play his position in the National Football League. Bringing it full circle, Rice is the grand marshall for Saturday's parade and recipient of the Major Taylor Award at Friday's coaches luncheon.
The Classic has been a classic since that 1984 premier, and Saturday's game between Alabama A&M and Tuskegee in Lucas Oil Stadium promises to live up to the tradition.
Classic Executive Director Tony Mason has assembled his usual wide array of events leading up to and following the game itself. We're talking galas, workshops, seminars, music, the parade and, of course, the Battle of the Bands.
Best of all is the leave behind, not only for the Indianapolis economy, but for young people trying to live the dream of a college education.
The Classic has paid out more than $1 million in scholarships since its inception.
The game also is a great collaboration betweenIndiana Black Expo and Indiana Sports Corporation.
Best thing about this game? No matter who wins, everyone wins.
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