Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a tradition of playing rival teams annually in what are called Classics. Unlike bowl games, these games are played during the season and usually have lots of events surround the game like “The Battle of the Bands.”

Here are the upcoming classics for 2012:

Fountain City Classic: 11/3/12

Albany State vs. Fort Valley State

McClung Memorial Stadium, Columbus, GA

Each year, this clash between Georgia Black school powerhouses brings more than 20,000 fans to Columbus. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster by clicking here.

Commemorative Classic: 11/3/12

Livingstone College vs. Johnson C. Smith University

Irwin Belk Complex, Charlotte, NC

In 1892, Livingstone College and Biddle College (now Johnson C. Smith University) played the very first football game between two historically Black colleges. Founded just two years ago, the Commemorative Classic honors the significance of that game. Get more information here. 

Tri-City Classic: 11/3/12

Alderson-Broaddus vs. Virginia Univ. of Lynchburg

Cameron Field, Petersburg, VA

Virginia University of Lynchburg will move to historic Cameron Field to play in just the 2nd annual Tri-City Classic in Petersburg, VA. Alderson-Broaddus College will be making the trip from their home in West Virginia.

New York Urban League Football Classic: 11/17/12

Morgan State vs. Hampton

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY 

George Steinbrenner began his support of the New York Urban League Football Classic in 1973, the same year that he purchased the NY Yankees. Since then, proceeds from the game have gone to finance an Urban League scholarship program. Though Steinbrenner never ceased his financial contribution, the game was relocated to the Meadowlands in 1988. This year marks the return of the Classic to Yankee Stadium. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida Classic: 11/17/12

Florida A&M vs. Bethune Cookman

Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL

Played in the Citrus Bowl, the Florida Classic is the largest football game between two Historically Black Colleges, as well as the largest NCAA Division I-AA game. Since its inception in 1978, over 1.5 million spectators have attend the game. Get tickets here.

Turkey Day Classic: 11/22/12

Tuskegee vs. Alabama State

Hornet Stadium, Montgomery, AL

Having played each other for more than 80 years, the Alabama State/Tuskegee football rivalry is the oldest among Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Purchase tickets online here.

Bayou Classic: 11/24/2012

Grambling vs. Southern

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA

Since 1991, the Bayou Classic has been televised nationally by NBC. The national broadcast attracts an audience of four to five million viewers. Last year, the Bayou Classic drew more than 250,000 visitors to New Orleans. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster here.