Circle City Classic began life without football on Saturday, turning attention to music

INDIANAPOLIS − Saturday afternoon, in Lucas Oil Stadium's south end zone, the Miles College Purple Marching Machine band stood motionless, drawing in the gazes of thousands. Anticipation filled the air.

All were gathered for the 38th annual Circle City Classic, which for the first time featured a battle of the bands between four HBCUs and other events, instead of a football game.

Many fans ahead of Saturday expressed frustration with Indiana Black Expo’s decision to cancel the game, which they say broke ties with decades of tradition. While organizers haven't officially explained why the game was cancelled, those close to the event say it was to reduce costs amid dwindling funds.

But, much of what is cherished at Historically Black Colleges and Universities remained.

Aligned in rows, the 100-plus members of the Purple Marching Machine shouted, shattering the silence. Whistles blew, signaling them forward. As they marched, trombone players swung their instruments overhead while airborne drummers crashed their cymbals together midair. They were led by drum majors who strutted, stomped and swayed side to side.

A majority of Circle City Classic fans said these moments are what they love most. But still, several in attendance appeared disappointed.

Carmencita Hughes, 58, was “stunned” over news that there was no game, information she didn’t obtain until over an hour into the events.

“I didn’t know there was no game when I sat down,” Hughes said. “I thought they were just doing a lot of pre-entertainment.”

She looked around the stadium and pointed across the field to the east side where a black tarp covered a vast section of seating.

“This thing used to be popping. Where is everybody?” Hughes said. “I’m really hoping they bring the games back.”

Shaughnessy Moses, 32, who’s an alumnus of Miles College, said he enjoyed the bands but considered the absence of a football game a letdown.

“It should always be centered on a football game,” Moses said. “We love the bands, but we love our football team, too.”

Shiny trumpets, trombones and saxophones shimmered under stadium lights as the musical joust continued.

The Lincoln University Marching Musical Storm, Kentucky State Mighty Marching Thorobreds, and Talladega College Marching Tornado Band all competed, along with Miles College, to win the favor of the crowd.

Fans were glued to their seats, except for when standing up to dance.

Laurice Jackson, 31, was among the audience. She’s an alumnus of Kentucky State University, where she used to be a majorette for the Mighty Marching Thorobreds. She’s performed at Lucas Oil Stadium during previous Circle City Classics and thinks the atmosphere without a football game is less exciting.

With a game, Jackson said, it breaks up the “monotony” of the bands; it positions rival teams and bands on opposite sides of the stadium and creates a polarization that energizes the crowd.

“The football brings that extra camaraderie,” Jackson said, “as well as rivalry.”

After Jackson’s alma mater, Kentucky State, officially won the battle of the bands, there was a performance by rap artist Rakim. A step competition between fraternities and sororities followed.

Some started making their way toward the exit, but not Lord-Armani Cooper. He was there to cheer on his fraternity, Alpha Phi, who was scheduled to compete. Jackson was also a member of Kentucky State’s band; a drum major.

“It’s all about the bands,” Cooper, 24, said. “That’s what people want.”

Asked if he would come back next year if the format were the same, Cooper said, “Absolutely.”

“I actually prefer they keep it this way.”

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Circle City Classic fans seemingly less thrilled by more bands