Football returns to Circle City Classic in Indianapolis: how to get tickets
After a one-year hiatus, Hoosiers attending the the 39th anniversary Circle City Classic in September will get to enjoy watching college football once again at Lucas Oil Stadium as the Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils compete against the North Carolina Central University Eagles.
The return of football, which is seen as a chance to showcase the athletic talent of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), was welcomed by officials after last year's game was canceled due to what some saw as declining popularity and profitability.
More:Canceled Circle City Classic football game alters course of Black history in Indianapolis
“After a year hiatus, we are excited to announce HBCU football is coming back to Lucas Oil Stadium," said Indiana Black Expo President & CEO Alice Watson in a news release. Watson added both teams had "a great alumni base, incredible marching bands," and presented an opportunity to showcase the "best of the best HBCUs to the Midwest.”
Who's playing at the 2023 Circle City Classic football game in Indianapolis?
The Circle City Classic will feature the Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils against the North Carolina Central University Eagles, a matchup between one of the first teams to participate in the Circle City Classic and the 2022 HBCU National Champion, according to the news release.
What to know about the football game
The last time Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils participated in the Circle City Classic® was when wide receiver Jerry Rice scored two touchdowns against Grambling, Oct. 3, 1984, according to a release. The No. 1 North Carolina Central University Eagles will make only their second appearance after defeating South Carolina State in 2012.
"North Carolina Central University is thrilled to be returning to Indianapolis and the prestigious Circle City Classic," said Dr. Louis "Skip" Perkins, NCCU director of athletics in the release. "We are looking forward to showcasing NCCU on this grand stage and reuniting with our proud alumni and fans in the region."
"It is an honor to be one of the first teams to compete in the Circle City Classic and to be selected again after a 38-year hiatus and a great way to begin the celebration of 70 Years of Football at Mississippi Valley State University," said Director of Athletics Hakim McClellan.
Who's performing in the halftime show at the Circle City Classic?
The halftime show will feature a Circle City Classic “Battle of the Bands” between the NCCU Sound Machine Marching Band and the MVSU Mean Green Marching Machine, according to the release.
The NCCU Sound Machine Marching Band has been featured on ESPN First Take and ESPN Celebration Bowl. The MVSU Mean Green Marching Machine was the first African American band to participate in the Tournament of Roses parade.
When is the Circle City Classic football game?
The football game takes place Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, 3 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium.
How to get tickets to the game
Tickets are available starting March 31 for the 39th Anniversary of the Circle City Classic by logging on to ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.circlecityclassic.com.
Those who order tickets in the first 30 days will get a discount.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Circle City Classic football by offering a 30-day special," said Watson. "For the first 30 days, $50 tickets will be 50% off.”
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Football game returns to Circle City Classic in Indianapolis 2023
