The Cleveland Classic is coming to Cleveland.

The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission will host the second annual Cleveland Classic HBCU football game presented by McDonald’s on Sept. 15, 2012 whereMorehouseCollegewill battleWinston-SalemStateUniversityat Cleveland Browns Stadium.

• Tom Joyner, heard on Cleveland’s 93.1 WZAK and host of the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, will broadcast live from 6 a.m. –10 a.m. from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on Friday, September 14. Joyner is also slated to attend the Tailgate party and toss the coin at the beginning of the Cleveland Classic game.

The Cleveland Classic is an entire weekend full of dynamic activities and events for all ages while celebrating premier historically Black universities. Festivities will include a College Readiness Fair presented by McDonald’s and College Now Greater Cleveland, Greek Step Show, Tailgate Party presented by University Hospitals, KeyBank Marching Band Half-time Show and the Cleveland Classic game presented by McDonald’s.

The Cleveland Classic is one of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission’s proprietary events that will serve as a vehicle to bring the community together through exciting sports, educational and cultural activities.

“We are thrilled to once again host the Cleveland Classic. We have two high-caliber schools playing in the game and have enhanced the offering of cultural and educational weekend activities in which theClevelandcommunity can participate. It’s our goal to continue to build an exciting tradition and economic generator for our region,” stated David Gilbert, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. “This year, the Cleveland Classic weekend is expected to infuse an estimated $3 million of economic activity.”

• The weekend will begin on Friday, September 14 with a College Readiness Fair presented by McDonald’s and College Now Greater Cleveland.  The College Readiness Fair offers an opportunity for theClevelandMunicipalSchool Districtand surrounding suburban area students to prepare for life after high school by learning the different options for post-graduate education and methods to achieve their learning goals. An estimated 1,500 select students will be transported free of charge to Cleveland Browns Stadium where lunch will be provided.
• The festivities continue Friday evening with a Greek Step Show at Quicken Loans Arena from 7 p.m. -10 p.m. This exciting competition will celebrate the cultural art of stepping as nine nationally recognized HBCU fraternities and sororities showcase their talents and compete to be named the 2^nd Annual Cleveland Classic Greek Step Show Champion. Kym Whitley, actress and comedian, along with Ahmaad Crump of the Cleveland Cavaliers will host the evening once again. The Greek Step Show is free to attend with a Cleveland Classic game ticket which will be available for purchase at the event. 
• On Saturday, September 15, before entering the stadium for the main event, fans can show their spirit by attending the official Tailgate Party presented by University Hospitals on the north side of Cleveland Browns Stadium. Admission to the Tailgate is free with a Cleveland Classic game ticket.  This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, health screens, vendors, food, beverages, games and more. 
• The Cleveland Classic football game presented by McDonald’s will kick off at noon on Saturday and will featureMorehouseCollegeversusWinston-SalemStateUniversityat Cleveland Browns Stadium. Tickets to the Cleveland Classic football game are now on sale through Ticketmaster and are $15 for general admission seats or $40 for reserved seating (processing fees are additional). Groups of 20 or more individuals can purchase tickets for $10 general admission or $35 for reserved seating.

Additional highlights of the Cleveland Classic include:

• The National Anthem will be performed by national R&B recording group, Dru Hill.
• The KeyBank Marching Band Half-time Show will electrify the crowd with highlight performances byMorehouseCollegeandWinston-SalemStateUniversitymarching bands and drumlines.

TJ Ward, starting safety for the Cleveland Browns, has been named honorary chair for the 2012 Cleveland Classic. He is a fan favorite that is known for his hard-hitting, aggressive playing style on the field and his commitment to inspiring youth in the community. Ward is slated to attend the Greek Step Show on Friday, September 14^th and participate in various promotional efforts leading up to the event.

For more information on the Cleveland Classic weekend or to purchase tickets, visit www.clevelandclassicfootball.com.