Published on: Wednesday, August 05, 2009

By Zettler Clay IV

The countdown to the sixth annual Prince George’s Classic has begun.

Business, community and education leaders met with the public Monday, July 27 to unveil plans about this year’s Classic match-up between the Bowie State University Bulldogs and the Shaw University Bears, the two-time defending CIAA champions.

Proceeds from the game, which takes place on Sept. 26 at FedEx Field, go primarily to BSU while a smaller donation goes to Shaw University, said Mike Little, president and founder of the Classic.

“What this event does is combine an audience of African-Americans, discretionary income and some appeal to sponsorship,“ said Little. “Everybody in our community can be involved in this event. Politics, business, athletics, education. There aren’t a lot of products that bring that broad of an audience together in our community.” 

Major sponsors have rolled out for the event, including Southwest Airlines, State Farm, Comcast, Pepco and B&W Solutions.

Little said that a study is currently being commissioned to account for the impact of the Classic on surrounding hotels, restaurants, and businesses. Last year, the Classic brought in close to “half a million dollars,” he said.

As for the game itself, there was no shortage of trash talk between the two opposing coaches, who both vowed victory to a delighted crowd of more than 40 people.

“I’ve been blessed to be a part four championships since 2004, and out of those two championships, we beat Bowie State. We’re not about to start losing to Bowie State,” Shaw University head coach Darrell Asberry boasted to laughter in the room. “The champs are here to stay.” 

BSU first-year head coach Damon Wilson took the podium next, stating the date for the championship game already been circled.

“Shaw just happens to be a team on our schedule to get to our championship,” Wilson said. “When’s the date, Nov. 7? Go ahead and put that on our itinerary.”

This is BSU’s fourth straight year in the Classic. Little said that he is committed to keeping the Bulldogs involved because it’s the only Historically Black College and University in Prince George’s County.

BSU president Mickey Burnim said this game is a huge revenue and excitement booster for the university.

“It’s promoted as such,” he said. “It’s a great sporting contest that is intended to bring attention to the county and universities involved. We’re trying to promote it in a way that rivals homecoming.”

Little said that the long-term goal is to raise enough money for BSU to build a stadium that supports 20,000 people while enhancing the visibility of the university.