The word “Classic” has different meanings to each person. An English major may think of the works of Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, and a Mozart score might come to a Music major’s mind. However, mention the word “Classic” on Tennessee State University’s campus and only one word would come to mind…football! Each year the TSU Tigers and every other Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football team participate in Classics. Classics are weekend long events that begin the Thursday before the game. Events include: concerts, mixers, tailgates, parties, and of course the football game. Tennessee State University participates in a least two of these Classics each year. However, each year there are at least thirty HBCU Classics around the country. The first classic, which TSU host itself, is the John Merritt Classic. Named after the legendary coach John A. Merritt, this classic kicks off the Tigers football season. Each year on Labor Day weekend Tiger fans from across the country venture to Nashville, Tennessee to participate in the John Merritt Classic festivities. The following week, Tiger fans travel to Memphis, Tennessee to reunite with our friends and foes of Jackson State University at the Southern Heritage Classic. Every year…show more content… Tennessee State University’s Director of Athletics Teresa Lawrence Phillips likens HBCU Classics to the bowl games of the FBS. She stated that “[classics] bring more than the game to the table.” Part of a classic’s significance comes from its location. According to A.D. Phillips, “Classics are often taken to major cities where locals do not always get a chance to see black college football.” Therefore, by participating in Classics, Historically Black Colleges and Universities are not only bringing publicity to their football team, but they are also spreading awareness about their