Pep, parties, punchlines and pizzazz greet the annual Capital City Classic with activities escalating clear through to Saturday's big football matchup, and beyond. Heated rivals Jackson State University and Alcorn State University take to the field at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Size-wise, the event draws 35,000 to 45,000 folks and is on par with homecoming on the appeal end.
"We're playing one of our traditional rivals in Alcorn State, so that lends itself to being a big deal," says Wesley Peterson, JSU sports information director. "Normally, the game is one of our largest crowds."
"The Capital City Classic is like our Super Bowl here," says J. Porter of Nero Denaro, host of the official after party, billed as The Party of the Year.
Entertainment for the crowd off the field comes in the form of a slew of concerts, fundraisers and other events. Alums, students and the rest of the party circle are already hard at the good time. And for good causes.
A gospel concert joins the Capital City Classic events lineup for the first time this year, with a mission to wage war against health disparities and homelessness.
National gospel recording artist and Grammy winner Dorinda Clark Cole, Stellar Award winner and Malaco recording artist Maurette Brown Clark, Stephen Hurd and Christian comedian Broderick Rice spread spiritual joy at New Jerusalem Church at 7 tonight.
The concert is a fundraiser for Jackson-based nonprofits God's Homeless Haven and My Brother's Keeper. Clothing, food and shelter for the mentally ill, homeless, battered women and addicts is the mission of Homeless Haven. Enhancing the health and well being of minorities is the focus for My Brother's Keeper.
Capital City Classic fans come together in the spirit of scholarship, too, raising money for deserving students. About $50,000 to $60,000 is raised yearly for the general scholarship fund through various Capital City Classic events.
Big draws beyond the goal posts include the Rickey Smiley Comedy Show Friday night and the Capital City Classic Concert on Saturday, both at Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center on the JSU campus.
Smiley trots out down-home Southern humor Friday.
Young Jeezy, Lil Boosie and Pleasure P deliver a hip hop extravaganza after the game.
Official funseekers will find the official after-party at the Mississippi TelCom Center. To anybody new in town, just follow the searchlight to find the action.
"Our slogan is, 'Go get dressed,' " says Porter, a nod to those who make "The Party of the Year" a dashing destination. "It's basically like a reunion. It's the people that come back from the schools ... After the game, they all come over there and have a good time." It's for ages 21-and-up. Deejays supply the party music.
The super stylish might also check out the inaugural Capital City Classic Runway Fashion Show Saturday night at the Jackson Medical Mall.
"It's something fresh, something different. It's basically Michelle Obama meets Beyonce," says organizer Theresa Kennedy. It's an opportunity to mix, mingle and marvel at the latest styles. J. Bolin Presents NikiNikol, Status Couture and Take Flight are just a few of the featured designs.
The Capital City Classic's estimated economic impact on the Jackson area is about $6.2 million. "And that's just on game day," says Gina Aswell of the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Capital City Classic events and parties
Nov. 20
Nov. 21
- Rickey Smiley comedy show at JSU
- "Nasty but Classy" Party at Flood's
- Capital City Classic President's Scholarship Gala
- The Glamour Girl Kick-off Party at Mardi Gras
Nov. 22
