FAMU
and FIU announce return of Orange Blossom Classic
June 29, 2004
MIAMI – Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Florida International University
(FIU) 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.
FIU head football coach Don Strock greets FAMU coach Billy Joe during
a signing luncheon announcing the return of the Orange Blossom Classic to Miami.
Geoff
Andrews Photo
"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.
