Circle City Classic shifts to Central Indiana high school football
Indiana Black Expo says the change responds to rising costs and declining revenue while keeping HBCU education and cultural events on the programme.
The Circle City Classic will stage Central Indiana high school football games for the first time since the event began in 1984, replacing its traditional match-ups between Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Indiana Black Expo (IBE), which organises the event, said hosting Division I HBCU teams had become more expensive and revenue had declined. IBE president and chief executive Alice Watson said teams could command upwards of half a million dollars.
Watson said the change is intended to serve local communities while advancing IBE’s aim of introducing young people to HBCU study opportunities. The programme includes four high school games, featuring girls’ flag football and boys’ football.
HBCU activities remain part of the weekend, including a Battle of the Bands and a college fair where students can meet representatives and learn about admissions and scholarships. IBE hopes to double last year’s fair attendance of 2,500 students, with regional colleges and universities also participating.
The wider programme includes a Friday pep rally, Saturday parade and an invite-only mental health symposium. IBE also plans to award scholarships to three student-athletes.
