For the second straight year, Mobile will host a pair of HBCU football games this fall.
Alabama State will face SWAC rival Alcorn State in the HBCU Port City Classic football game on Nov. 2 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, it was announced Wednesday. Jackson State meets Alabama A&M in the Gulf Coast Challenge — another SWAC showdown — on Oct. 5.
In addition to the football game, the Port City Classic will include a cheer clinic featuring both Alabama State and Alcorn State cheerleaders, a Black Business Expo, an HBCU golf tournament, as well as “Jokes & Notes,” billed as “an evening of comedy and music featuring nationally renowned comedians and recording artists.” Kickoff for the football game is set for 4 p.m. on Nov. 2.
“We are cultivating the culture,” Port City Classic CEO Kevin Ball said. “The Port City Classic is more than just a football game that shows off the HBCU culture. It’s also a celebration of community and the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. We hope that you join us as we come together to honor tradition, showcase talent, and create lasting memories.”
Mobile has hosted an HBCU game each season since 2018, though the 2020 Gulf Coast Challenge was delayed until March 2021 by the COVID pandemic. Jackson State beat Alabama A&M 45-30 in last year’s Gulf Coast Challenge.
Led by the Mobile Sports Authority, local organizers added a second HBCU game at Ladd in 2023. Alabama State beat Grambling State 17-6 in last year’s Port City Classic.
“One of our main goals when I came to the MSA in 2011 was to bring back HBCU football to Mobile,” Mobile Sports Authority executive director Danny Corte said. “And now, we have not one, but two successful HBCU games held annually.
“So, we’re proud to be a part of that accomplishment. Alcorn State and Alabama State should be a great matchup and along with our two main event partners, the City and County of Mobile, we look forward to welcoming all the players, coaches, school officials, alumni, and fans to the Port City.”
The Gulf Coast Challenge features a Kickoff Concert by Jacquees on Wednesday night, a “Gospel XPlosion” featuring John P. Kee and the Alabama A&M and Jackson State choirs on Thursday and an HBCU Fest Pep Rally and Greek Exhibition Show featuring Uncle Luke on Friday (all three shows take place at Mardi Gras Park). There are also parades through downtown Mobile on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.
To purchase tickets or for more information on the Port City Classic, click HERE. To purchase tickets or for more information on the Gulf Coast Challenge, click HERE.
