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The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission will host the second annualCleveland Classic HBCU football game presented by McDonald’s on September 15, 2012

whereMorehouseCollegewill battleWinston-SalemStateUniversityat ClevelandBrowns Stadium. The Cleveland Classic is an entire weekend full of

dynamic activities and events for all ages while celebrating premier historicallyblack universities. Festivities will include a College Readiness Fair presented by

McDonald’s and College Now Greater Cleveland, Greek Step Show, TailgateParty 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 GreaterClevelandSports 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 GreaterCleveland.  The College Readiness Fair offers an opportunity for theCleveland MunicipalSchool 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 7:00pm-10:00pm. 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

AnnualClevelandClassic 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

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, 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 feature

MorehouseCollegeversusWinston-SalemStateUniversityatClevelandBrowns Stadium. Tickets to theCleveland

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.

“It is an honor and a privilege to play in the 2012 Cleveland Classic. We look forward to coming toCleveland,Ohioto face

a very formidable Morehouse College Tiger football team. This is a great opportunity forWinston-SalemStateUniversityto

face a tough opponent in a professional football venue and we look forward to putting on a great show,” said Connell

Maynor, Head Football Coach for theWinston-SalemStateUniversityTigers.

“The entire Morehouse family – players, coaches, fans and alumni – is looking forward to participating in theCleveland

Classic,” said Yusuf Davis, Morehouse College Sports Information Director. “We are certain that the Classic will be a success

on every level and we anticipate that this will be one of the highlights of our season.”

Additional highlights of the Cleveland Classic include:

Tom Joyner, heard on Cleveland’s 93.1 WZAK and host of the nationally syndicated

Tom Joyner Morning Show, will broadcast live from 6:00am-10:00am from the Rock

and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on Friday, September 14

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. Joyner is also slated to

attend the Tailgate party and toss the coin at the beginning of the Cleveland Classic

game.

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-SalemStateUniversity

marching bands and drumlines.

“Radio One is honored to partner with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to build the Cleveland Classic into a pillar

ofCleveland’s rich history. This year, we are thrilled to welcome Tom Joyner back toClevelandand his live national

broadcast from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame preceding the Cleveland Classic that will showcase this great city and

event,” stated Jeff Wilson, Regional Vice President of Radio One, Inc.

The Cleveland Classic Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is chaired by Jakki Nance, Spelman graduate and Chief Operations

Officer for Swin Cash Enterprise, along with Eddie Taylor, Practice Leader for Oswald Companies, Donnie Perkins, VicePresident of Diversity and Inclusion for University Hospitals and Herb Washington, Owner and Operator of McDonald’s.

Their leadership and resources will enhance the efforts of the Sports Commission and bring much awareness to the

community.

TJ Ward, starting safety for the Cleveland Browns, has been named honorary chair for the

2012ClevelandClassic. 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

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and participate in various

promotional efforts leading up to the event.