Tuskegee adds second date at Cramton Bowl with game against Morehouse
Johnnie Morris and the Tuskegee Golden Tigers will play Morehouse at Cramton Bowl on Oct. 6. (File Photo)
By TIME GAYLE
City officials announced on Monday the addition of another HBCU game to the Cramton Bowl lineup, adding the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.
“Montgomery is proud to welcome the Tuskegee‑Morehouse Classic to the historic Cramton Bowl in 2025,” Mayor Steven Reed said. “This iconic rivalry not only showcases the excellence of HBCU athletics but also celebrates the profound cultural and historical contributions of Morehouse College and Tuskegee University. We look forward to hosting the student‑athletes, alumni, and fans for a weekend of unity, pride, and unforgettable moments that will resonate for years to come.”
The game was on the 2025 Cramton Bowl schedule released in July but no name or designation was attached to the game. On Monday, city officials announced that “the exciting addition complements the signature Alabama State homecoming festivities.” The Hornets will play host to Bethune-Cookman in nearby ASU Stadiun on the same day.
The addition of the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic doubles the number of appearances by the Golden Tigers in Cramton Bowl. Tuskegee will play Winston-Salem State in the annual Red Tails Classic on Aug. 31.
“Our fans have always been a huge part of our success and we’re thrilled to bring the Classic to Montgomery,” Tuskegee athletic director Reginald Ruffin said in the city’s release. “The city has a rich tradition of hosting HBCU football, and we believe this move will create an even more electric atmosphere. This weekend is about more than a game—it’s about celebrating our shared heritage and supporting our students.”
The Golden Tigers are familiar with Cramton Bowl, playing Alabama State in the annual Turkey Day Classic from 1924 to 2011, but it will mark the first time Morehouse has played in an HBCU Classic in the famous stadium.
Traditionally the game has been played in Columbus, Ga. with a brief time in Birmingham. This will be the 86th meeting between the two schools.
“Montgomery holds a special place in our hearts,” Morehouse athletic director Harold Ellis said in the city’s release. “We have a strong and passionate alumni association here and I have no doubt they will show up and show out for this Classic. Bringing the game to Montgomery gives us the opportunity to unite our alumni, showcase our student-athletes and make this an unforgettable weekend for everyone.”
The stadium already showcases the FCS Kickoff this Saturday, followed by the Red Tails Classic eight days later and the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl in December. All were coordinated through ESPN Events with former bowl executive director Johnny Williams. This will be the city’s first attempt to coordinate another game since Williams’ passing in February.
The Central Alabama Sports Commission, which coordinates all sporting events in the city, also failed on two previous attempts at HBCU events, holding the HBCU All-Star Game in 2009 and 2010 before it moved to Atlanta and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship Game in 2014-16 before it left at the end of its three-year contract and went to a home-and-home site alternating between division champions.
City officials touted the fact that Montgomery is “the only city in the country with two major HBCU football games in the same weekend. It weaves together high-energy football, legendary marching bands, tailgates, cultural celebrations, concerts, pep rallies and social gatherings over multiple days for Montgomery residents and HBCU communities.”
Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic tickets start at $25 and are available at morehousetuskegeeclassic.com. For a full event schedule for the entire weekend, visit hbcuclassicweekend.com.