Alcorn announces events surrounding “Magnolia Heritage Classic: Return of the Soul Bowl” at official press conference
Alcorn announces events surrounding “Magnolia Heritage Classic: Return of the Soul Bowl” at official press conference
Actor/Comedian J.J. Williamson to serve as 2012 Celebrity Ambassador
On October 29, Alcorn State University held an official press conference for the “Magnolia Heritage Classic: Return of the Soul Bowl” and announced events surrounding the Classic, introduced advisory committee members, announced the launch of the web site www.magnoliaheritageclassic.com, Facebook and Twitter pages, discussed tickets and parking process and made other special announcements.
Marcus Ward, vice president for Institutional Advancement/executive director of ASU Foundation, Inc. and director of the Magnolia Heritage Classic, announced that Alcorn alumnus actor/comedian Jeremiah J.J. Williamson will serve as the 2012 Celebrity Ambassador.
The Classic weekend will kick off Friday, November 16, at 10 a.m. on campus with a spirited pep rally and Public Safety Press Conference featuring players, coaches, the marching band, university officials, student leaders and state public safety officials gathering to preview the game and raise awareness of public safety for the big weekend.
On Saturday, November 17, the day will begin at 10 a.m. with the Coors Light Tailgate Tent Party on the east end zone practice field, and FANFUN Village and Live Soundstage hosted by Keisha Knight Pulliam and Lance Gross in the Kenneth L. Simmons Industrial Technology Building parking lot. The free live concert style venue will feature Verse Simmonds and showcase local and regional music artists and public awareness presentations between performances while the kids play in the inflatable space jumps.
The ASU Braves will take on the JSU Tigers at 2:00 p.m. in the Jack Spinks – Marino Casem Stadium. The All State Insurance Halftime Show will feature the All State Field Goal Kick to the 2013 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana, WJTV-12 Soul Bowl Alumni Giving Challenge and ASU Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band and JSU Sonic Boom.
Immediately following the game, there will be a 5th Quarter Battle of the Bands. The big band battle of the night will feature the JSU Sonic Boom and ASU Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite from the stands of the Jack Spinks – Marino Case Stadium. A post game concert in the Stadium will begin around 7:00 p.m. and will feature Ginuwine, Marsha Ambrosius, LAKESIDE and a surprise special guest performer. After the concert, around 9:00 p.m., the skies over Alcorn will light up to celebrate the historic achievement – the 2012 HBCU of the Year.
To accommodate the fans, Alcorn will install temporary seating that will increase the stadium capacity to 25,000, and about 5,000 parking spaces will be available throughout the campus.
The press conference concluded with Ward and Athletic Director Dwayne White answering questions and announcing that a special ticket rate will be announced next week. The tickets will be sold through special local outlets. Fans can also go to Facebook and sign up.
“We are excited. It’s going to be a great game,” exclaimed Ward. “We look forward to everybody participating and having a great time during the ‘Super Soul Bowl’ weekend.”
Tickets are available at Alcorn State University box office and www.alcorn.edu , Jackson State University, Walmart electronic counters and Ticketmaster outlets. Fans are encouraged to visit the Magnolia Heritage Classic’s Facebook and Twitter pages and www.magnoliaheritageclassic.com.
For more information, contact Mr. Ward at 601.877.6296 or [email protected].
