The FAMU Rattlers face off with MVSU in the Georgia Football Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 4th
After initial announcements and some ticketing confusion, clarity has emerged on one of the fall’s most anticipated HBCU events. The Georgia Football Classic—featuring a showdown between Florida A&M (FAMU) Rattlers and Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) Delta Devils—is confirmed for Saturday, October 4 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m.
The event is backed by prominent sponsors including Georgia Football Classic LLC, 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, and Discover DeKalb—and notably secured the rights to what was originally scheduled as MVSU’s home game in Itta Bena, Mississippi.
Bands, Battles, and Band VERZUZ Band
Beyond the gridiron clash, the Classic promises a full cultural spectacle. Attendees will enjoy pre- and post-game events—including the halftime face-off between FAMU’s Marching 100 and MVSU’s Mean Green Marching Machine—and stick around for the world premiere of “Band VERZUZ Band,” described by organizer Dan Anderson as “the sweet musical science in the precision of the sport of marching band.”
The festivities aim to energize HBCU culture across metro Atlanta. As Troy Vincent, president of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, put it:
“The Georgia Football Classic will be one of metro Atlanta’s most highly-anticipated events… bringing our communities together to celebrate and share in the culture, sportsmanship, and richness of metro Atlanta and its rich HBCU culture.”
Ticket Details and What to Expect
Fans can purchase tickets starting September 2 via georgiafootballclassic.com and Ticketmaster, with each ticket granting access to the full experience: game entry, the bands’ showdowns, and VIP day parties.
Though the venue initially didn’t list the event—a development that sparked some uncertainty—that has since been clarified, and organizers expect the Classic to proceed as planned.
