SOUTHERN HERITAGE CLASSIC® CULTURAL CELEBRATION

September 11-13, 2025

Memphis, Tennessee

Quick Facts

2014 Southern Heritage Classic Presented by FedEx
Jackson State University and Tennessee State University
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, TN
September 13, 2014 – 6 p.m. CDT

  • Tennessee State University won the inaugural Southern Heritage Classic in 1990 defeating Jackson State, 23-14.
  • After the 2014 Classic, Jackson State University and Tennessee State University – collectively – will have earned more than $9.8 million since the Classic’s inception in 1990.
  • In 2013, the Southern Heritage Classic generated over $21 million to the local Memphis economy.
  • Six members of the Tennessee State University football team and two members of the Jackson State University football team were named to the 2013 BOXTOROW HBCU All-American team – as voted on by top media members nationally who cover HBCU sports.
  • Tennessee State University head coach Rod Reed was selected 2013 BOXTOROW Coach of the Year.
  • Last year, the Classic ranked 4th in attendance among historically black college and university (HBCU) classic football games in the country.
  • Gladys Knight headlines the 2014 Classic Concert at the Orpheum Theatre on Thursday, September 11.
  • Jackson State University and Tennessee State University have agreed to a five-year contract extension through 2019.
  • TSU has had three former players participate in the past two Super Bowl games: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Anthony Levine and Lamar Divens.
  • The Southern Heritage Classic football game is played on the second Saturday in September.
  • The Classic Parade on Saturday, September 13 runs along Park Avenue from Haynes to Airways and features area high school marching bands.
  • Charlie Wilson, Gap Band and The O’Jays have played the most performances during the history of the Southern Heritage Classic.
  • Jerry Butler and The Williams Brothers were the first featured concert headliners during the inaugural Southern Heritage Classic in 1990.
  • Ed “Too Tall” Jones played basketball before turning to football at TSU and was the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 1974.

Press Release  Background Classic Events