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| (Tampa.com photo) |
The return of FAMU’s Marching 100 was the big story heading into last season. As we approach 2014, the question is how many times will we see the famed marching band. Doug Blackburn of the Tallahassee Democrat is reporting that the band will not travel to the season over against Jackson State on Saturday.
FAMU’s famed Marching 100 not playing at season opener Saturday at Jackson State. @HBCUDigest @HBCUGameday @HBCU_Lifestyle
– doug blackburn (@dblackburn) August 26, 2014
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThis news comes a day after it was revealed that FAMU asked for a share of revenue’s from Tennessee State’s homecoming game to bring the band. FAMU president Elmira Mangum lobbied for the revenue share for weeks, estimating that Tennessee State will make $80,000 off the game.
“I need a whole lot of things before I let the band go to Tennessee State,” Mangum said. “So, that’s my position on it.”
While it is unfortunate that the band won’t be in Jackson and may not make it to Tennessee, it makes sense financially. FAMU’s athletic department has been in financial trouble for years, and moving around a band the size of the 100 costs money. Also, the 100 is arguably the program’s biggest marketing tool.
It would be a shame to see FAMU’s band only play at home contests and the Florida Classic, but don’t be surprised if it happened. If you live in the Sunshine State, the only place you may be able to catch the Marching 100 is on Youtube.