Sean Sanders // The Florida Classic is the biggest Florida HBCU Rivalry football game between the Bethune Cookman Wildcats and the Florida A&M Rattlers. The game held at the Orlando Citrus bowl brings thousands every year to witness the two HBCU teams square off on the field.

While the game itself provided a suspense filled turnaround with the rattlers leading by 14 points into the 4th quarter and falling just short of the win with the wildcats earning 19 points in the final quarter giving a final score of 29-24, the real fun occurred when fans of both institutions took to the streets surrounding the stadium to take part in the postgame festivities.

Coors Light, a proud sponsor of HBCUs provided the ultimate V.I.P post game experience with a concert showcasing rising artist and a headlining act featuring rapper T.I. Outside of the entertainment, the tailgate experience provided an inviting space where Alumni and students of both universities could network and reconnect.

“HBCUs allow us to bring minds and bodies back into our communities, which allows us to push further and become more self sustained,” said T.I in regards to his personal support of the HBCU collegiate experience.

For over 25 years, outside of showing support for HBCU athletics, Coors Light has deemed it a great opportunity to honor HBCU academic success as well. On their 2017 Classic Tour, with stops already at the Southern Heritage and Magic City classic, Coors Light has donated $10,000 to a each participating institution in mission to support scholarships for juniors and seniors over the age of 21.

“HBCUs showcase the epitome of the Coors Light mantra of ‘Climb on.’ The students are resilient, resourceful and dedicated,” said Daniel Ware, associate marketing manager for Coors Light and alumnus of Florida A&M University.

The four part tour garners a donation total of $80,000 dollars and ends Nov. 25th at the Bayou Classic.