The Florida Classic is back.
Back? Where did it go?
Well, contrary to rumors, Florida Classic is not leaving Orlando.
Today, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) announced that the company has signed on to become the new title sponsor for the annual football between the two schools, Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University. BCBSF will also be the title sponsor of the Battle of the Bands.
The Florida Classic, which has spent the last 17 years in Orlando, will continue to be played at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, in an extension agreed to with Florida Citrus Sports. But renovations will need to be undertaken at the Citrus Bowl for the games to continue.
Speaking at today’s press event to celebrate the agreement, Bethune-Cookman University President Dr. Trudie Reed said, “We believe in Central Florida’s commitment to the game as well as a revitalized stadium that will hopefully be home to the game for many years to come.”
The annual clash between the two Historical Black Colleges and Universities, which has averaged 66,000 people at the Citrus Bowl, generates an estimated $40 million in economic impact for the week leading up to the game around Thanksgiving. Now more than ever, this is warmly appreciated as Central Florida struggles, like the rest of the U.S., to recover from a prolonged recession.
Orlando’s Mayor Buddy Dyer, Commissioner Daisy Lynum and Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell were present at the press event on Wednesday.
