2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

Thursday, Aug. 28

*All events, locations, artists and times subject to change.

READING THE PLAYBOOK — BOOKS SPONSORED BY SHEARER'S FOODS

9 a.m. | Stark and Summit County Schools

Our local community partners along with Stark and Summit County's The Divine Nine (Black Greek letter fraternity and sorority organizations) come together to coach kids on their way to orchestrate an educational touchdown through a “Reading the Playbook” event during the Classic weekend. Elementary school students will receive guidance from these leaders and mentors with a time of reading and inspirational words to prepare them for the game of life.

 

CLASSIC COLLEGE FAIR 

9 a.m. - Noon | Bulldog Activity Center, 521 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH

Colleges from around the nation, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, come together to give high school students an opportunity to learn about, apply to and earn scholarships from their institutions at the 6th annual Classic College Fair at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. In addition to interacting with college representatives, the Fair will include live breakout sessions with college personnel presenting on the admissions process and current or former HBCU students presenting on the experience of attending an HBCU. Please RSVP to secure spots for your students. Seating and capacity are limited for this event. For more information or to reserve spots for your students, contact [email protected].

 

BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME COMMUNITY CAREER JOB FAIR

4 - 6 p.m. | Timken Commons Campus, 521 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH

In collaboration with Ohio Means Jobs, the fourth annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Community Career Fair is returning to highlight job opportunities throughout Stark and Tuscarawas counties. Come and seek career development opportunities and find careers that offer “life-sustaining salaries” in a variety of high-demand industries.

Registration link for job seekers coming soon.
 

Friday, Aug. 29

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY DAY OF SERVICE

9 a.m. - Noon |  Habitat for Humanity Campus, 1400 Raff Road SW, Canton, OH 44710

Team up with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio for a “Building Blitz” volunteer opportunity. Help build and paint garden sheds that are part of every home purchased by Habitat families. No experience or tools required. Bring good team spirit, and Habitat will provide all the necessary tools and materials. Huddle up and help make a difference that lasts with Habitat for Humanity! This rain-or-shine event is free, but registration is required. All participants must be at least 18 years old.

Registration link coming soon.
 

Saturday, Aug. 30

CLEARVIEW GOLF CLASSIC

8 a.m. |  Clearview Golf Club

The Clearview Golf Classic is another special event in which you can partake with Black College Football Hall of Famers. Join them at historic Clearview Golf Club for a chance to play with these legends of the game. Clearview is an extraordinary golf course that was constructed, owned and operated by Bill Powell, making it the first club in America built by an African American. Clearview Golf Club is now owned by Bill’s daughter Renee Powell, the second African American to participate in the LPGA. For more information, contact Vince Guardado at [email protected].  

 

CLASSIC BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Time: TBD | Location: TBD

New to the Classic and what is sure to be an event you don’t want to miss, witness an epic competition of the bands! Miles College’s Purple Marching Machine takes on Virginia Union’s Ambassadors of Sound marching band. Featuring drum lines, dancers and unique musicianship, as well as performances by each schools cheerleading teams, this will make for a one-of-a-kind experience. 

 

2025 BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS PLAQUE UNVEILING

4:30 p.m. | Black College Football Hall of Fame Gallery, Pro Football Hall of Fame

Come together in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Gallery located inside of the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the unveiling of the Class of 2025 plaques in their permanent home. 
 

OFFICIAL ALL WHITE AFFAIR

9 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. | Canton Civic Center

In collaboration with the Kappa Tau Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.. Back by popular demand for Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic Weekend — it's the official All White Party presented by the Divine Nine. Adults only. Get your tickets, your white outfit and get ready to start the night with the smooth sounds of Hubb's Groove, then prepare to turn up with DJ Lo-Key. If you attended last year, you already know it is going to be a great night! If you missed it last year, don't sleep on this! For more information, contact Monty Pender at 330-754-4376.
 

Sunday, Aug. 31

CECELIA PONDER INTERFAITH SERVICE

9 - 10:30 a.m. | Centennial Plaza, Downtown Canton

A time to come together to worship, pray, give thanks and enjoy fellowship as a community of believers. All faiths and religious denominations are welcome.

 

HBCU FAMILY BLOCK PARTY PRESENTED BY CSE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus

Join us for a fun-filled experience prior to the game. Nonstop entertainment, including music, food and more. Food trucks and some of the area’s best vendors will show off Canton’s finest right outside the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 


 

THE CLASSIC TAILGATE PRESENTED BY SUGARDALE

11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus

A Classic Weekend tradition! Get ready for an energetic pregame experience on the Pro Football Hall of Fame campus before kickoff. The tailgate will include nonstop entertainment such as music, dancing and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
 

 

FAITH, FAMILY & FOOTBALL GOSPEL CONCERT FEATURING ERICA CAMPBELL PRESENTED BY THE GOOD FEET STORE

1:30 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus

As a part of the HBCU Family Block Party presented by CSE Federal Credit Union, the day will be highlighted with a crowd-pleasing gospel performance from a national recording artist.

 

MINORITY BUSINESS RECEPTION

Noon - 3 p.m. | Pro Football Hall of Fame

Canton has been recognized as an ideal location for the development and growth of minority businesses in Stark County. The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stark Economic Development Board, Stark County Minority Business Association and Stark County Moving Forward have been instrumental in paving the way to assisting the expansion of minority businesses. The reception is a networking opportunity meant to provide a relaxed, business-friendly atmosphere for minority and non-minority businesses to meet and greet others; enjoy food, cocktails, entertainment and conversations; and exchange business cards in hopes of creating new business relationships and advancing current ones.

2025 CLASH AT THE CLASSIC GAME MILES COLLEG AND VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY

4 p.m. | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Come watch the Miles College Golden Bears take on the Virginia Union University Panthers as the defending SIAC and CIAA champions face off at the magnificent Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. These conference champions will battle in what will be a title game atmosphere. After the game, stay to see the presentation of the MVP awards and the trophy to the winning team.

Get your tickets here.

THE FIFTH QUARTER PRESENTED BY CSE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Immediately following the game | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Stay after the game to watch an exciting HBCU marching band tradition known as the Fifth Quarter. Miles College's Purple Marching Machine and Virginia Union’s Ambassadors of Sound will battle back and forth to close out the day.