Dynamic Lineup of Events Revealed for the 2024 State Fair Classic at Dallas’ Historic Fair Park

DALLAS, TEXAS (September 23, 2024) -- In anticipation of the 2024 State Fair Classic, the City of Dallas, and the Dallas Sports Commission welcomed the head coaches of Prairie View A&M University and Grambling State University to outline their preparation and share their insights leading up to the annual showdown. Since the 1980’s, these rivals have clashed at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park, and on Saturday, September 28, the Prairie View A&M Panthers and the Grambling State Tigers renew their storied rivalry. This year introduces a new twist to the big game: a Championship Belt will be awarded to the winning team as a traveling trophy. Drawing inspiration from pro wrestling belts, the new State Fair Classic Championship Belt adds a distinctive element and a unique flair to the postgame celebration of the victorious side.

Grambling State claimed a 35-20 victory in last year’s State Fair Classic, snapping Prairie View A&M’s five game winning streak in the series. With the win, Grambling State extended its series lead to 28-10 since 1985.

"The State Fair Classic’s atmosphere is truly unmatched, fueled by the enthusiasm, excitement and energy that surround it,” said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber. “The students, alumni and fans of both Prairie View A&M and Grambling State create an incredible community event, electrifying the Cotton Bowl and State Fair of Texas fairgrounds."

High-energy halftime performances by the Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm and Grambling State University's World Famed Tiger Marching Band showcase the pageantry of the event. State Fair Classic ticket holders can also enjoy two exciting concerts on the Chevy Main Stage at the Fairgrounds. ALW Entertainment presents a pregame concert featuring Gospel singer and songwriter Deitrick Haddon and a postgame performance by legendary rapper Big Daddy Kane.

“Bringing in world-class artists like Big Daddy Kane and Detrick Haddon elevates the longstanding tradition of the State Fair Classic,” said Al Wash, founder of ALW Entertainment. “These can’t miss performances establish the Chevy Main Stage as the go-to location for both pregame festivities and postgame celebrations.”

Alumni reunions, a VIP reception and a celebrity golf tournament highlight the entertaining activities kicking off the weekend. A high school battle of the bands will take place on Saturday morning for the honor of performing pregame at the State Fair Classic.

"The incredible buildup to the State Fair Classic elevates the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the game,” said Craig Davis, President and CEO, Visit Dallas, the entity that oversees the Dallas Sports Commission. “The week’s worth of tradition, sportsmanship and culture captures the essence of the community and the spirit of this great event."

For media credentials, please contact the Grambling State University Athletic Department.

State Fair Classic Game Week Schedule of Events

Thursday, September 26
VIP Reception, Frontiers of Flight Museum: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas TX 75215
Sponsors, Special Guests, Alumni – Invitation Only

Friday, September 27
Radio-One Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, Cedar Crest Golf Course: 8:30 a.m.
1800 Southerland Ave, Dallas, TX 75203

State Fair Classic 3rd Annual Rooftop Alumni Mixer: 6:00 p.m.
Grambling University National Association, Dallas Chapter and Collie J. Nicholson Chapter
Tru by Hilton Dallas Market Center
1949 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207

Jack Daniel’s “Arts, Beats & Lyrics”: 7:00 p.m.
Immersive VR experience celebrating visionary artists & musicians at Gilley’s Dallas,
1135 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215

Prairie View A&M Alumni Dallas Chapter 27th Annual Scholarship Gala & Silent Auction:
The Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas TX 75201
7:00 p.m. Scholarship Gala
Purchase tickets: pvamf.org/2024DallasGala

Grambling State University Metro DFW Alumni Chapter Welcome Soiree: 7:30 p.m.
Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

Saturday, September 28
High School Battle of the Bands and Dance Squads: 8:00 a.m.
Grambling State University Metro DFW Alumni Chapter and Lancaster HS Marching Band
Beverly Humphrey “Tiger” Stadium, 200 E. Wintergreen, Lancaster, TX 75146
The winner will perform at the pregame activities of the State Fair Classic game.

Omega Psi Phi, Gamma Gamma Alumni Association Dallas Alumni Mixer: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hilton Anatole Hotel, Presidential Suite, 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

Deitrick Haddon Pregame Concert: 4:00 p.m.
State Fair of Texas-Chevy Main Stage

“State Fair Classic Football Game”- Cotton Bowl, Kick Off: 6:00 p.m.
Prairie View A&M Panthers vs Grambling State University Tigers
National Anthem- Deitrick Haddon and the State Fair Classic Mass Choir
Black National Anthem- Karisma Evans
Opening Prayer- Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III
5th Quarter- a grand finale featuring a battle of bands with GSU and PVAMU

Legendary Big Daddy Kane Postgame Concert: immediately following the game
State Fair of Texas (Chevy Main Stage)

Grambling State University Alumni-Dallas Metro Chapter: immediately following the game
Postgame Mixer-Gerald Ford Presidential Suite #1434
Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

Sunday, September 29
Worship Service – Friendship West Baptist Church: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Pastor Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III
2020 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, TX 75232

The Classic Brunch: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Beale Street Live
2525 E. Arkansas, Arlington TX 76010

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About the State Fair Classic
The State Fair Classic is an annual college football game celebrating the rich history, culture, and traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The event takes place at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, featuring thrilling football, halftime performances, live concerts, cultural showcases, food festivals, and educational programs, making it a unique celebration of sports and culture.

About Dallas Sports Commission
The Dallas Sports Commission pursues amateur, grassroots, collegiate and professional championship events, positioning Dallas as the premier sports destination. A division of Visit Dallas, the Dallas Sports Commission focuses on generating economic impact as well as improving the quality of life within the community through sports. For more information, visit www.dallassports.org

Media Contact
Dandy Killeen, Tony Fay PR | 817.307.4645 | dandy@tonyfaypr.com