The inaugural ATL Labor Day Classic is set to transform Labor Day weekend into a celebration of Atlanta’s HBCU heritage, bringing together Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University in a historic football showdown.
The game will open the season for both programs, a shift from its traditional late‑season slot, breathing new life into a rivalry that first met on the gridiron in 1900.
Organizers say the revival was sparked by conversations among athletic directors Harold Ellis of Morehouse and Dr. Gerald Drew of Clark Atlanta, alongside SIAC Commissioner Dr. Anthony Holloman, with Jerry Freeman, co‑founder of 9167 Sports & Entertainment Agency, helping to shape the vision.
A Weekend of More Than Football
A VIP lounge spanning 8,000 square feet will overlook the field at B.T. Harvey Stadium, while a Fan Zone Tailgate offers a more traditional game‑day experience for supporters.
The schedule includes a Friday evening mixer, post‑game entertainment and a Sunday brunch, creating a full weekend of activities that welcome students back to campus and draw alumni into the city.
Organizers plan to announce community partnerships, including health initiatives that will serve both fans and nearby neighborhoods, reinforcing the event’s commitment to local impact.
If the weekend proves successful, the ATL Labor Day Classic could evolve into one of the marquee HBCU events of Labor Day weekend, cementing Atlanta’s role as the cultural heart of historically Black colleges and universities.