More than 55,000 people celebrate Florida Classic in Orlando
Hailed as the nation's largest football game between two historically Black Universities, Florida Blue Florida Classic brought thousands of people to Orlando Saturday to cheer for the 25th game.
More than 55,000 people packed Camping World Stadium to watch the two big rivalry teams, Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman Universities, compete.
"We went to Florida A&M, but our dad went to Cookman so it's a house divided!" FAMU alumna Aliyah Walker said. "But we're brother and sister fraternity so that's the one thing makes up for it.
Although the Rattlers defeated the Wildcats, Classic weekend brought a sense of comradery.
The family reunion was filled with football, fun, fellowship and plenty of food.
People came to spread unity and love.
"In 2020 we lost a lot of people so we're glad to be here and I thank God for that," Bethune-Cookman alumna Marcie Phoenix said.
"[We're] seeing old friends, seeing new friends and just hanging out," Bernard Mccondichie said.
Classic weekend is also about uplifting the next generation.
"We're all college-educated, positive brothers with businesses and with positive careers and we're doing good things," Alvin Moore said. "We're here to help the younger youth from FAMU and from BCU with how we do it and how they can continue to do it."
The 25th game hopes to continue preserving a rich tradition.
"So much of our history has been lost it's important to make new memories, new traditions and stay whole and true to it," FAMU alumna Tiffiny Sharp said.
The weekend was also special for the Divine 9 historically Black fraternities and sororities. Many members came out to proudly represent generations of brotherhood and sisterhood.