“Florida Classic” show will go on virtually, without the football

ORLANDO, Fla. — With the annual Florida Classic football game canceled by the coronavirus pandemic, leaders from both schools are planning virtual events to be held instead.

In years past, the event has brought thousands to Orlando where the game between Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M is normally played at Camping World Stadium.

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Both schools say they depend on the revenue generated by the event, so this year, they’ve had to think of innovative ways for the rest of the show to go on...virtually.

Orlando Commissioner and FAMU graduate Bakari Burns says there will be a virtual battle of the bands, career fair, pep rallys, and fundraisers.

“The athletes will be back next year, but this year, we need to support the students,” Burns says.

Both schools usually raise nearly a half-million dollars during every “Florida Classic”

Bethune-Cookman University President E. Labrent Chrite released a statement saying, in part, “Revenues from the classic event represent an essential component of our anticipated annual resources with which we’re able to support our student athletes.”

FAMU President Larry Robinson added a statement saying, “It provides opportunities to witness amazing performances of our marching bands and contribute to one of the largest fundraisers for both institutions.”

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Burns says they’re hoping to get donations of $20 from 60,000 people, or enough to virtually “sell out” Camping World Stadium.

For information on how to donate to this year’s Florida Classic, click here.

Cox Media Group