Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman and Molly Qerim Rose will experience a bit of HBCU football classic hospitality this fall.
ESPN’s “First Take” is expected to bring its popular show on the road to the Southern Heritage Classic on Sept. 10 ahead of the annual Jackson State-Tennessee State matchup, according to the Commercial Appeal
“First take” will broadcast live from Tiger Lane at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
Well, the cat's out of the bag. @FirstTake is coming to Memphis to do a live show and you can be in the audience. #ClassicMemphis #SHC pic.twitter.com/AHWjc0L841
— Southern Heritage Classic (@ClassicMemphis) July 7, 2021
Fans will be allowed to watch the show in person starting at 7:30 a.m.
First-year head coach Eddie George in May spoke at length of how he hoped classic games would draw national mainstream attention beyond the HBCU niche.
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“I see this vision of having (ESPN College) Gameday in Memphis talking about the respective schools and respective programs,” said George. “Talking about Eddie Robinson and some of the great coaches in HBCU history and 70,000 fans being in the stands.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to highlight the programs and highlight the universities and what they’re known for.”