2017 FAMU Tampa Classic To Renew Rattlers Rivalry with Tennessee State Tigers

RETURN OF THE FAMU TAMPA CLASSIC

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- – Confidence is high around the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Football Program as they prepare for the upcoming 2017 campaign, and that optimism is due in part to the tremendous fan support from Rattler Nation at Bragg Stadium.

Sparking the uptick in fan and alumni support has been the innovative INVESTING IN CHAMPIONS Annual Giving Program, a fundraising initiative which features a six donor levels, assuring patrons both football and basketball season tickets along with stadium parking, and other amenities all in one package.

This year’s campaign drive to raise $600,000 for Athletics to address Bragg Stadium renovations, as well as underwriting scholarships for student-athletes, and funding summer school tuition, has reached the $300,000 halfway point, thanks to the generous gifts of the Rattler faithful through the INVESTING IN CHAMPIONS program. Go to www.FAMUAthletics.com to Invest today.

The Rattler Nation commitment to athletics was a major factor in helping FAMU finish third (3rd) in NCAA Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) in Home Attendance, averaging 19,710 fans for the four home games in 2016, finishing ahead of such national stalwarts as North Dakota State, Jackson (Miss.) State, Delaware, Grambling and North Carolina A&T.

That 19,710 average was tops among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), marking the first time FAMU had surpassed traditional attendance kings, Jackson (Miss.) State and Southern-Baton Rouge out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

An added benefit for donors to the INVESTING IN CHAMPIONS Program will be the opportunity to purchase advance priority seating for the renewal of the FAMU Tampa Classic featuring longtime rivals FAMU and Tennessee State, which will be played in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, September 16, 2017.

FAMU Tampa Classic Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 18th 2017 for Investing In Champions Members for an exclusive buying opportunity until the public on-sale. Go to www.FAMUAthletics.com to become a champion member or renew your Investing In Champion membership this year.

2017 FLORIDA A&M FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 

The Jake Gaither Classic 
Sat, Aug 26 TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY Tallahassee, FL TBA 

(Central Time * War Memorial Stadium * SEC-TV)
Thu, Aug 31 University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR 7:00 PM

FAMU Tampa Classic
Sat, Sep 16 Tennessee State University at Tampa, FL  TBA 

Sat, Sep 23 Savannah State University * at Savannah, GA 6:00 PM

Sat, Sep 30 NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL * Tallahassee, FL TBA 

Sat, Oct 07 Norfolk State University * at Norfolk, VA TBA

2017 Homecoming Game 
Sat, Oct 14 NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE * Tallahassee, FL TBA 

Sat, Oct 21 Hampton University * at Hampton, VA 2:00 PM

Oct 28 Morgan State University * at Baltimore, MD TBA

Sat, Nov 04 HOWARD UNIVERSITY * Tallahassee, FL TBA 

The Florida Blue Florida Classic 
Sat, Nov 18 BethuneCookman University * at Orlando, FL TBA 

* Conference Games

ATLANTA IS IN THE FUTURE

Rattler Football fans can also look forward to an annual FAMU Atlanta Classic return beginning in 2018. The 2018 FAMU Football Schedule will include three FAMU Classic Games.

Rattlers Strike, Strike and Strike Again !!!