The 2005 Ford HBCU football classics guide

The Ford 'Roadies'

On the road again! After a successful tour last year, the Ford "Roadies" are back to participate in numerous activities associated with Ford-sponsored HBCU football classics. For 12 weeks, two recent HBCU graduates--with a background in communications, marketing or related degrees--are selected as Ford ambassadors. In that capacity, they perform duties that will focus on uplifting the community, including discussing the importance of a college education with inner-city children, delivering food to the elderly through the "Meals on Wheels" program and assisting the homeless.

From week to week, the "Roadies" travel to a different HBCU Classic football city, this year driving in the all-new 2006 Ford Fusion to participate in the games' ancillary events, including hosting step-shows, driving the Fusion in the official parade and handing out information from a booth setup at each football game. Additionally, they participate in a series of national and local media interviews to share their experiences. Further, they chronicle their adventures through video, which airs on the syndicated TV show, Inside the Game, and in an online diary, which can be followed on www.fordroadtrip.com.

The Ford 'Roadies' Schedule

* Ford Detroit Football Classic, September 3

* Southern Heritage Classic, September 10

* Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, September 24

* Circle City Classic, October 1

* Southern University's homecoming, October 8

* North Carolina A&T State University's homecoming, October 15

* Howard University's homecoming, October 22

* Magic City Classic, October 29

* Walt Disney World Florida Classic, November 19

* State Farm Bayou Classic, November 26.

The Ford Detroit Football Classic

The third annual Ford Detroit Football classic on September 3, at Ford Field, features Hampton University against Jackson State University. The previous two Classic games have attracted more than 110,000 fans, making it one of the largest-attended historically Black college classics in the country.

The game is the centerpiece of a series of family-oriented events and activities designed to celebrate and showcase the pageantry of the African-American collegiate experience. At the same time, the weekend increases awareness and exposure of youth and adults to HBCUs. During the past two contests, thousands of fans have attended one of the primary ancillary events held during the football classic weekend--a charity gala, a Greek step-show and an empowerment fair/pre-game tailgate party. Another highlight is the halftime "battle of the bands" competition.

During the weekend, fans will have a chance to acquaint themselves with Ford's newest vehicle lineup, and Ford will conduct a Ford Field Goal Challenge, where two fans will have a chance to kick a field goal for a Ford Mustang. There also will be a Fantastic Trip Giveaway, where 10 fans will win a trip to the game and tickets to all of the football classic-related events via an online contest. Visit www.detroitfootballclassic.com for more information and to enter to win.

The Southern Heritage Classic

The 16th annual Southern Heritage Classic on September 10 in Memphis, Tenn., pits the Tennessee State University Tigers against the Jackson State University Tigers at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. The game has been described as "the largest annual, single-day event in Memphis." "The great thing about this matchup," says Fred Jones Jr., founder and producer of the Southern Heritage Classic, "is how intensely these two teams go at each other."

At this year's classic, Ford will host the ultimate tailgate party, and fans will have a chance to meet the Ford "Roadies," play games for prizes and marvel at some of Ford's hottest vehicles at the Ford Experience Tour--a mini auto show that will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on game day. Visit www.southernheritageclassic.com for more information.

Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic

The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic on September 24 in Atlanta's Georgia Dome features Florida A& M University against Tennessee State University, two institutions that traditionally produce ranked football and world-renowned marching bands. This year, Ford continues its support of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and its signature program, Project Success, which provides mentoring and outreach activities to African-American students. Proceeds generated from the game go toward Project Success.

One of the game-related highlights will be the Parade of Excellence, which will include a collection of Ford Mustangs. Fans can also check out Ford's sponsor corner on game day outside the Georgia Dome and inspect some of Ford's hottest new vehicles at the Ford Experience Tour. Visit www.theatlantafootballclassic.com for more information.

The Walt Disney World Florida Classic

On November 19, when Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman College clash at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, it will represent the 26th anniversary of one of the most intense rivalries among HBCU competitors. The festivities will kickoff with the presidents' scholarship gala, considered by many to be the weekend's premier social event.

Ford is the title sponsor of the Florida Classic Experience, which includes a golf challenge, coaches luncheon and the FanFare--featuring an all-day concert and product specialists who will discuss the capabilities of the Ford vehicles that will be showcased. There also will be interactive games, and opportunities to interact with the Ford "Roadies." For more information, visit www.flclassic.com.

The State Farm Bayou Classic

The State Farm Bayou Classic, perhaps the best-known HBCU classic because it's nationally televised on NBC-TV, will once again attract 70,000-plus fans to the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on November 26 when Grambling State University meets Southern University. As part of the activities associated with this in-state rivalry, Ford, which will operate a fan festival booth, will conduct a Ford Field Goal Challenge, where one fan will have a chance to kick a field goal to win a new Ford Fusion. In addition, three fans will win a Fantastic Trip Giveaway, which will include an all-expenses-paid trip to the Bayou Classic. Visit www.fordroadtrip.com for more information.

Ford MEAC/SWAC Challenge

The inaugural matchup of the Ford MEAC/SWAC Challenge will feature South Carolina State University (2004 MEAC co-champion) against Alabama State University (defending SWAC champion) on September 3 at Legion Field in Birmingham, and will be televised on ESPN2. The Challenge renews a rivalry that has been dormant since both teams competed in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association nearly 35 years ago.

Ford & The CIAA 60th Anniversary

Ford's involvement in the HBCU sports arena is not limited to football. At the 60th anniversary of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's (CIAA) men's basketball tournament last February and March at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., Ford hosted the 60th anniversary team, which included former CIAA players and coaches--Rick Mahorn, Charles Oakley, Ben Wallace, Earl (The Pearl) Monroe, Earl Lloyd, Carlos Terry, Cleo Hill, Al Attles, Dave Robbins, John McClendon, Sam Jones, Bobby Dandridge and Clarence (Big House) Gaines. (The tournament also represented the 30th anniversary of the women's teams.)

The Ford HBCU Business Classic Competition

Ford Motor Company continues to strengthen its track record in creating opportunities for Black entrepreneurs with the implementation of the Ford HBCU Business Classic, the entrepreneurial business plan competition designed for students from historically Black colleges and universities.

And the first winners of the competition were Texas Southern University ($50,000 grand prize), Florida A&M University ($30,000 first-place award) and North Carolina A&T State University ($20,000 second-place award).

The concept encourages students to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world entrepreneurial business plan. The competition is a continuation of Ford's support of the first-ever academic program to focus on Black entrepreneurship with Babson College and various HBCU schools. "This competition encourages HBCU students to discover what it takes to become an entrepreneur," says Tony Brown, senior vice president, Global Purchasing, Ford Motor Company. "They will all walk away with a tremendous learning experience."

COPYRIGHT 2005 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group