Even though it won’t feature the familiar matchup between Tennessee State University and Jackson State University, the Southern Heritage Classic isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
On January 8, the City of Memphis reached an agreement with Summitt Management Corporation, which produces the event, that guarantees Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as the venue for the Southern Heritage Classic through 2032.
SHC founder Fred Jones Jr. is pleased that a long-term agreement was reached.
“I am thankful to the City of Memphis for their support. We appreciate their diligence in ensuring that the Southern Heritage Classic will continue to be held at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium,” Jones said in a statement. “It’s the place we’ve called home for decades, and we look forward to making more memories there as we bring great HBCU football to Memphis each year.”
Scheduled annually on the second Saturday in September, the Southern Heritage Classic football game is a staple in the Memphis community, showcasing thrilling matchups between prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It’s also a huge economic engine, pumping millions of dollars into the Memphis economy annually.
In 2024, the 35th Annual Southern Heritage Classic football game will be held on Saturday, September 14th, at 6 p.m.
