ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The hazing death last November of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion appears to be hurting one of Orlando's biggest moneymakers: the Florida Classic.
Investigators said Champion was beaten to death by other band members on a bus after last year's game, which is always played at the Citrus Bowl and regularly draws a huge crowd.
The annual game is a month away, and ticket sales are nowhere near what they were at this time last year.
WFTV's Daralene Jones talked to Florida Citrus Sports officials about what they're doing to sell tickets.
They have worked with the schools and the sponsor, Florida Blue, to bring in other entertainment. But people want to see that Florida A&M band, which is such a staple during halftime.
The Florida A&M against Bethune-Cookman band competition at halftime for bragging rights is one of the main draws. But the Marching 100 is still suspended after Champion was killed during an alleged hazing ritual.
"Missing the Marching 100 in the Florida Classic is a big deal," said Steve Hogan, of Florida Citrus Sports.
The band will be replaced by R&B singer Charlie Wilson.
Rickey Smiley, a comedian, will host the Battle of the Bands, which takes place the Friday before the Florida Classic. And even he knows how crucial that halftime show is at the Classic.
So far, only 8,000 tickets have been sold, compared to 20,000 at this time last year.
"The fact that the 100 is not going to be here this year. It hurts; of course it does," said Hogan.
But there's a lot of money at stake if fans don't show up. Last year, the schools got $1 million each from net proceeds. A report from Florida Citrus Sports shows the 60,000 fans in attendance that weekend spent $30 million on hotel rooms, food and shopping. But organizers said it's not just about the money.
"Support these two football teams, they deserve your support. Some of these guys are seniors and they deserve that Florida Classic experience," said Hogan.
WFTV also learned the theme for this year's game will be "band together," and the day before the game there will be a symposium to address hazing.
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