Orange County Welcomes Back the Annual Florida Blue Florida Classic
Orange County welcomed thousands of fans to Camping World Stadium for the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic on Saturday, Nov. 18 with a rivalry game of the Florida A&M University Rattlers (FAMU) and the Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) Wildcats.
The Florida Classic is the largest football game between two historically black colleges in America, surpassing the Bayou Classic as the top attended game in the NCAA Division 1-AA. Since 1978, the game has seen more than 1.8 million fans in attendance.
“I was thrilled to watch some of the nation’s best college athletes compete in a long-standing rivalry football game in front of Orange County residents and visitors at the world-class Camping World Stadium,” Mayor Teresa Jacobs said. “Congratulations to Bethune-Cookman University on their win, and to Florida A&M University for an exciting game!”
The score ended with BCU taking the game 29 to 24, continuing the winning streak for the seventh year over FAMU.
Orange County employees were able to win tickets to the game and show their support for the respective teams.
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) supports the Florida Classic by awarding $137,500 to the Florida Classic Consortium. The funds generated from the game ultimately helps to provide scholarships for students attending FAMU and BCU. The consortium receives the funds annually and consists of several members from both institutions including the presidents and athletics directors.
Camping World Stadium, formally known as the Orlando Citrus Bowl, recently reopened in 2014 as part of a $94.5 million venues package. This venue has transformed Orange County into a mecca of economic, cultural and sporting events which enhances the region’s increasingly diverse and creative population for generations to come.
Since construction in 1936, Camping World Stadium has hosted numerous outstanding athletic events, including the NFL Pro Bowl, WrestleMania, Soccer World Cup, and many high-profile college and bowl games. The stadium has also held star-studded performances from iconic bands, such as the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and the Eagles. Camping World Stadium also continues its tradition of hosting signature events, including the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic, Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl, Russell Athletic Bowl and Monster Jam.
