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FIU and FAMU "Classic" article

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FIU and FAMU "Classic" article


Monday, June 28, 2004

Florida A&M University and Florida International University
Announce Return of the Orange Blossom Classic



Florida A&M University and Florida International University announced Monday the return of the historic Orange Blossom Classic. The Nov. 27 match-up was finalized during a symbolic Signing Luncheon held at Don Shula?s Golf Club in Miami Lakes.

FAMU President Fred Gainous and FIU President Modesto A. Maidique, were joined by their athletic directors and head football coaches, Miami area dignitaries, Orange Bowl Committee officials and alumni for the event.

"This partnership between Florida A&M, Florida International and the Orange Bowl Committee is one that we believe will be very fruitful,? said FAMU Athletic Director Dr. Joseph P. Ramsey. ?With the strong support of the Orange Bowl Committee, of the alumni and supporters of both institutions in the South Florida area, as well as the great tradition of the Orange Blossom Classic itself, we are looking forward to a great weekend in Miami."

"This marks a very significant period in our athletic history. Our goal will always be to place our program in a position to provide exposure and impact the growth and maturity of our program,? said FIU Athletic Director Rick Mello. ?This event not only does this in that it will more than likely be the highest attended home athletic contest ever staged, but it will significantly impact the community from a financial standpoint. This game is also very significant because it will go along way in assisting us with the new NCAA attendance standard as we enter our transition period this season. I am very excited about this game and very appreciative of FAMU's willingness to enter into this partnership."

The contest between the two in-state universities promises to generate millions in revenue for South Florida because of strong support from fans, and deep student and alumni ties to the region. Additionally, a number of ancillary events, which include a fundraising event, ?An Evening with Bill Cosby and FAMU,? a parade and a Battle of the Bands competition, are planned.

The legacy of the Orange Blossom Classic began in 1933 as a clash between Florida A&M College (FAMCEE) and Howard University of Washington, D.C. Then-FAMU President J.R.E. Lee arranged travel for Howard coaches and players by train to Jacksonville for the inaugural game. FAMU won that first game, 9-6, which marked the beginning of the Black College Bowl.

The Classic moved in 1947 to Miami, where it became a major sports event through the late 1960s. FAMU always faced off against a top opponent at the end of the regular season. In 1961, the Classic reached its zenith when 47,191 fans packed the Orange Bowl to witness FAMU take on Jackson (Miss.) State. After FAMU joined NCAA Division 1-AA, the Orange Blossom Classic continued as a part of FAMU?s regular season schedule through the ?90s.

In the newly revived classic, the FAMU Rattlers will take on the FIU Golden Panthers at 1 p.m. during the Thanksgiving Weekend in Miami?s Orange Bowl.



My take:
The admin at FIU struck paydirt with this game! That was some good marketing and they will definitely be aided by FAMU's GREAT fan base and followers from South Florida.
One FAMU poster feel that FIU is benifitting from FAMU's fan base in their quest for D1-A attendance requirements! You think?? That's why we play the games.

Overall the game should be a success for FIU on all accounts.
Good job FIU and hopefully you can win the game.

Now if we(FAU) can get up there in Tally and kick butts for our own pleasure.

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FIU and FAMU "Classic" article

This is a great idea for FIU i'm hoping a very big crowd shows up for this one. Hopefully there will be a big FIU following at the game, which can happen if we have a good record at that point in time. I love the logo for the game too:


Panthers on the Rise
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FIU and FAMU "Classic" article

WOW.. :o That is a nice logo!

I may have to drop a few dollars myself for a T-Shirt.. ;)
I know past and present players on FAMU and FIU so it will be understood here in Owl Land. :)

We both have to win our game vs FAMU. They would want nothing more than to beat us and crow about us going D1-A and they have to wait. Pressure.. 8-)

Seriously though, that's really a nice log.
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FIU and FAMU "Classic" article

Everyone is correct about this being a good deal for FIU and FAMU. I'm trying to figure out whether this is a one-year deal, or whether the two universities have signed a multi-year arrangement. Does anyone know?

If it is multi-year, it certainly has the potential to become FIU's chief rivalry (because of the fan base, among other things) and thus supplant the budding FAU-FIU rivalry.

In any case, it is a marketing coup for FIU and FAMU. I wonder whether it will become FIU's fifth TV game for this season.

In trying to think of a school with a large fan base that might be willing to visit South Florida to play the Owls, I keep coming back to the service academies. Is there any chance to lure Air Force, Army or Navy for a game at, say, Pro Player?

Failing that, is there a chance to lure a true Class A program (Oklahoma, Alabama, etc.) to come down for an early-season, pre-conference schedule game – and give the alums two excuses a year to get away from home? (Those schools already have one excuse almost every year – a bowl game. We could provide a second.)
This might be a stupid idea. But all they can do is say no. Coach Schnellenberger does a great job of thinking big. I hope some of our marketers will follow the leader.
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FIU and FAMU "Classic" article

I'm pretty sure it's a yearly deal. The article dealt with the Classic being revived. So ity's probably for a number of years at the OB.

As far as FAU doing something along that line? I'm glad it happenend now. Coach Schnell will not like to be outdone.. ;D
Look for the bombshell for next year's schedule? The teams you mentioned will be more than willing to get away in the late fall/early Winter to Ft Lauderdale.
He may still have someone else up his sleeve who we can accomodate next year. Remember that the 2004 D1-AA contracts had our hands tied this year. Not anymore!!

This FIU/FAMU deal will be the talk of the town. I'm guessing that something big will surface before the season starts OR right afterwards. FAU have to peak the interest of the Alumni for 2005 season.
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FIU and FAMU "Classic" article

I think this is a winning situation for both school's and I give FIU two thumbs up for doing whatever it takes to adressing the attendance issue - this game will surely help that cause.

O.G. - I think last years success has already started getting some of the Alumni's warmed up and showing support for the university. IMHO, more will jump on board if we have a great start to the season. Football has a way of giving Alumni's an Identity to their Alma Mater, especially if the football program is a success. A great dealt of effort is being done to get Alumni's involved, we shall see what happens with time.
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FIU and FAMU "Classic" article

Bytor, I'm sure you're correct about the Alumni getting the fever for some football.
It will be very interesting to see the crowd for our 1st home game after the "FAR and AWAY" road games to start the season.

I'm excited.. ;D
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FIU and FAMU "Classic" article

I am excited as well to see if the buzz will catch on and create a little noise.

Tickects for the first game will be available as early as July 12-16 for the public, so expect to see some marketing for the upcoming season soon.
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