Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 October 2001 — Page 41

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Classic history In 1983 during construction of the then named Hoosier Dome (now RCA Dome) and before the Baltimore Colts moved to Indianapolis, there was a significant effort mounted to utilize the new facility. The Mayor’s Office and a blue ribbon committee of community leaders provided the impetus and functioned as a clearinghouse to attract events that eventually included a Chicago Bears pre-season game, Notre Dame vs. Purdue, Indiana vs. Illinois and other regional football rivalries. The Mayor’s committee had also funded a factfinding trip to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic which by then had been played for several years in the Superdome. Approval was then given for a football game between Mississippi Valley State and Grambling State University. While the design of that event met the city’s criteria of tourism and revenue generation for the new stadium, the Circle City Classic leadership would add its own agendas: 1) a demonstration of Africa-American economic strength on sustaining the event. 2) the importance of education and specifically the viability of historically black institutions and 3) the provision of annual scholarships from the proceeds of the football game. Bolstered by the volunteer spirit in Indianapolis, the leadership of Indiana Black Expo and their partner for the Classic, Indiana Sports Corporation, and a $150,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment, the Circle City Classic became an instant success with nearly 40,000 attending the first game on October 13, 1984. Since that day when Jerry Rice and a strange new offensive set, never before seen called the “no-huddle, no backfield”, staggered a powerful Grambling football team 48-36 and when the bands battled for sixty minutes after the football game, the excitement has never waned. Over the fifteen years of the organization’s existence, there have been changes, but the original objectives (demonstrating the strength of the Afri-can-American consumer, highlighting the advantages at historically black universities and providing scholarships) have not changed. Staff has been added, volunteer numbershave increased significantly, fans come in greater numbers from farther away and budgets have grown in part to accommodate the demands of football programs laboring under new financial restrictions and also in some measure due to the competition of other “Classics” that have appeared in Chicago, Detroit, Washington D.CL, Tampa, Dallas, Atlanta, Memphis, Columbus, Los Angeles and St. Louis since our first game in 1984. The Circle City Classic leadership has from the beginning striven for quality ofproduct and attention todetail. Its philosophy is to provide non-stop superior entertainment at affordable prices. A

The Indianapolis Recorder October 5 f 2001

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couple can attend the football game and three other events for under $50. On the other end of the spectrum, out-of-town guests who stay in hotels, shop in area malls, and eat in area restaurants typically spend more per day than visitors to the Final Four, according to a 1990 study done by Indiana University researchers. The Classic organization from the beginning tried to establish a loyal fan base and build on it with the goal of selling out the stadium by the l()th anniversary. The first sold out event was the seventh year (1990) with 61,929 attending. Most of the attendance growth over those years came from remote markets in the region Chicago, Detroit, Columbus/Dayton, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Milwaukee and Grand Rapids. The composition of this additional fan base guaranteed that a significant portion of the Classic’s attendees would commit to expenditures comparable to short vacations. Many also plan the weekend as a family outing and include children. The ingredients for a tremendously successful annual event have been present from the outset. How these ingredients have been combined accounts for the continu ing lofty position the Classic occupies in the panoply of African-American events which have become noteworthy around the country. After eighteen years of growth, the Classic is known by virtually everyone in the black community east of the Rocky Mountains. The popularity and stature of Coca-Cola Circle City Classic week is attested to by the variety of

sold-out events and high-protile public activities. For entertainment and social presence the Friday night “Gala” offers hobnobbing and world-class entertainment to a black-tie crowd. The Black Alumni Council’s College Fair provided prospective students and parents with a close up of Historically Black Colleges. The Cabaret offers a more informal stopover for a packed crowd ot Classic visitors to share yesterday’s R&B performances. Then there is the Classic Parade. With over one-hundred units and as many spectators as the game itself, the Parade has grown into the country’s largest African-American street parade that sets the pre-game table of pageantry and excitement. The menu of events continues with gospel, benefits, hip-hop, parties and reunions. Few week-long celebrations can match the variety and diversity of Coca-Cola Circle City Classic week. Contrasted with other established events, the Classic offers a cohesive, integrated, well-planned and superbly executed package which equals substantially more than the sum ofthe parts. Uncommon opportunities to speak to black consumers and establish a marketing position for their loyalty exist in abundance. Coupled with the platforms and elements which provide leverage to a sponsor to develop local, regional and national promotional programs, the tradition and ambianceof the Coca-Cola Circle City Classic provided unparalleled and lasting impact.

RCA Dome and Indiana Convention Center heighten security measures

Coca Cola CirdeCity Classic attendees need to know that if they bring bags larger than a small personal handbag it will be subject to search. Due to the terrorist attacks on September 11, the Indiana Convention Center and the RCA Dome have imposed the following additional security measures for activities hosted at the site. Fans must arrive early to avoid congestion at gates. Large bags will be subjected to inspection. Items not permitted in the RCA Dome are as follows: Food and beverages Bottles Cans

Liquor containers Weapons Coolers Bags (No goodie bags) Large purses Backpacks Fannypacks Horns Missile-like objects (anything that can be thrown) Any items on this list must be placed in the attendees vehicle. "We have been working with the schools and the hotels to get the word out," said Laurie Lott, The Capital Improvement Board spokesperson.