Southern Heritage Classic 2024: Here's a look at what's planned, from football to fashion

A convergence of football, music and community — that’s the vision Fred Jones Jr. had more than 35 years ago when he first conceived of the Southern Heritage Classic.

Back in 1990, Jones helped launch what has become one of the Mid-South’s longest-running and most vibrant cultural celebrations. The Southern Heritage Classic has grown from a spirited gridiron battle to a multifaceted community event since launching more than three decades ago.

“It always needed to be something bigger, something like what it’s become, in order for us to sustain it,” says Jones of the Classic. “It had to be about football, but also be about something bigger than football.”

Built around an annual football game between Historically Black Colleges and Universities, last year longtime Southern Heritage Classic participant Tennessee State began a new rivalry with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The battle will continue for this year's edition of the game, set for Sept. 14 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

As in past years, the 2024 Classic will feature several days of programming that will include a college and career fair, a fashion show, a parade, musical concerts — including performances by Patti LaBelle and Tamia & Joe — plus various other festivities leading up to the big game. Additionally, this year, the Southern Heritage Classic will be the subject of a new exhibit at the National Civil Rights Museum, which will trace the history of the event and Jones’ work.

This year’s Southern Heritage Classic programming starts Sept. 11 and runs through Sept 14. Here is the full schedule:

Southern Heritage Classic: Celebrating 35 Years of an HBCU Memphis Tradition

Sept. 11, National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry St.

The National Civil Rights Museum presents a special exhibition in honor of the Black college football experience and rich tradition titled, "The Southern Heritage Classic: Celebrating 35 Years of an HBCU Memphis Tradition." The exhibition tells the story of Fred Jones and shares his vision of sustaining and expanding the popularity of this annual cultural celebration.

Featuring 120 artifacts from Jones’ collection, the exhibition provides recaps and footage of the games, highlights collegiate football players who continued their careers into the NFL, spotlights the popular halftime “Battle of the Bands” and the widely attended tailgate, as well as the entertainment events that precede the game.

This exhibition also explores the origins of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in America, their connections to the civil rights movement, the rise of Black athleticism, and a journey through the Classic Weekend events and the rich culture uniquely inherent to Memphis. The exhibit will open Sept. 11 and runs through Feb. 28. The exhibit is free, as part of the museum’s basic admission, which is $20 for adults. Go to Civilrightsmuseum.org.

Classic Concert: Patti LaBelle

8 p.m. Sept. 12, Orpheum, 203 S. Main St.

R&B queen Patti LaBelle headlines the annual Classic Concert at Downtown’s Orpheum Theatre. LaBelle, who scored her first hit in 1962 as singer of the Bluebelles, continues to wow audiences, even at 80. The 13-time Grammy nominee, bestselling author, entrepreneur and lifestyle brand mogul, with her Patti’s Good Life, will be the featured act on the Sept. 12 Orpheum bill, which will be hosted by comedian Jammin’ Jay Lamont. Tickets: $68-$133. Go to Ticketmaster.com.

FALL THINGS TO DO IN MEMPHIS: 19 fairs, festivals and other events you won't want to miss

Classic College & Career Fair

8:30 a.m. Sept. 13, Memphis Sports & Events Center, 995 Early Maxwell Blvd in Liberty Park

Presented by the City of Memphis Office of Youth Services, this event will feature regional college and university representatives as well as businesses on hand to provide information about attending school and employment opportunities. Admission is free. For more information, call (901) 636-6264 or visit Cityofmemphisyouth.org.

Tamia & Joe

8 p.m. Sept. 13, Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven

The music at the Classic continues as Tamia and Joe headline a Friday night concert at the Landers Center in Southaven. Featuring six-time Grammy-nominated R&B sensation Tamia and the smooth vocal stylings of Joe, this special event will showcase two of R&B’s most beloved veteran artists, promising a “night of soulful melodies and captivating performances. Tickets: start at $59. Go to Ticketmaster.com.

Classic Tailgate

8 a.m. Sept. 14, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium parking lots and Tiger Lane

It's all about friends, food and football at this ticketed tailgate event. Tickets and packages are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Penny Hardaway Memphis District Golf Classic

8 a.m. Sept. 14, Tunica National Golf and Tennis

Bluff City hoops legend and University of Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway hosts a $500-per-team, 4-man scramble golf event at Tunica National Golf and Tennis. For information, call (901) 633-3933 or visit Memphisdistrictgolfclassic.org.

Classic Parade

9 a.m. Sept. 14, Park Avenue and Haynes

The Orange Mound Community Parade Committee presents its salute to the Southern Heritage Classic. The parade route runs along Park Avenue from Haynes to Airways. The parade will feature marching bands, civic organizations, businesses and more. For information, contact Claudette Boyd at (901) 413-7109 or visit Omcpc.com.

Classic Battle of the Bands

11 a.m. Sept. 14, Whitehaven High School Stadium

The competition will feature the best high school show bands in the region with show-stopping dance routines. Tickets: $12 advance; $15 day of. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Walter Banks Jr. at (901) 497-2015 or [email protected] or Vincent Smith at (901) 831-7624 or [email protected].

Classic Fashions & Brunch

11 a.m. Sept. 14, The Guest House at Graceland

The theme for the annual Classic Fashions & Brunch is “Purple Passion of Fashion." The event is presented by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. — Memphis Chapter. Tickets: $75. To purchase tickets or for information, call (901) 568-4021 or visit Memphisncbw.org.

Southern Heritage Classic Football Game

6 p.m. Sept. 14, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

A new rivalry was launched last year as part of this iconic game, with Tennessee State taking on Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The proceedings will also include the AutoZone Halftime Show, featuring UAPB’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South and TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands. After the game, stay for the Classic 5th Quarter, the grand finale for the Southern Heritage Classic with a battle of the bands. All seats are reserved. Tickets: $23-$53. Go to Ticketmaster.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Southern Heritage Classic 2024: Here are the events planned in Memphis