Grambling, Alcorn Set For Circle City Classic XXX

Doug Williams will lead Grambling State against Alcorn State in this year’s Circle City Classic. (ESPN photo)

After a year in which it saw its smallest attendance ever, the Circle City Classic is banking on two SWAC rivals to bring the game back to prominence. Grambling State and Alcorn State will square off in Indianapolis for the 30th anniversary of the inaugural game, according to the Circle City Classic’s website .

The game will be played on Oct. 12 at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. The game was moved up from the first weekend of October to coincide with the anniversary of the first game, which featured Grambling State.
 
“With these two teams you not only get two outstanding football programs, enthusiastic bases of alumni,” but two of the most entertaining and traveled marching bands in the country,”said Tanya Bell, Indiana Black Expo President.

Last season’s game featured two MEAC schools, South Carolina State and North Carolina Central. NCCU blew SC State out 40-10 in front of just 18,00 fans, a record-low for the event.

“Grambling is excited about being the book-end program for the first and 30th Circle City Classic,” said Grambling State Athletic Director Percy “Chico” Caldwell.

Grambling State finished last season a disappointing 1-10 overall and 0-9 in the SWAC, dead last in the SWAC West.

Alcorn State finished last in the SWAC East with a 4-7 overall record and a 4-5 conference record.