The Circle City Classic, a signature HBCU football event over the years, will go on.
But without Black College football.
The Indiana Black Expo is turning the 2026 Circle City Classic into a high school football showcase instead of the long-running HBCU football game, according to a report from the Indianapolis Business Journal.
It will be flag football instead.
The revamped event will feature two girls high school flag football games and two boys high school football games, a sharp break from the Classic’s traditional format, which has centered on HBCU football and culture since 1984.
A shift to ‘remain relevant’
The shift comes as Black Expo looks to reshape the Classic and widen its appeal. The organization also plans to add HBCU basketball games in 2027, extending the event beyond football while keeping its college sports connection.
“This pivot aims to protect and strengthen those revenue streams while ensuring the events remain relevant, sustainable, and aligned with today’s audiences,” Indiana Black Expo said in a news release. The organization described the move as a “strategic evolution” tied to shifting engagement trends, fundraising models and corporate partnerships.
IBE CEO Alice Watson said the change is both practical and purposeful.
HBCUs will still be part of Circle City Classic celebration
“This evolution is both strategic and necessary,” Watson said in a statement. “The Circle City Classic has long been a cornerstone fundraiser supporting scholarships and fueling our year-round programming. This pivot allows us to reduce costs while preserving what matters most: our commitment to community, our founders’ vision, and our ability to create meaningful opportunities for future generations.”
The Classic will still include several of its longtime traditions, including the Battle of the Bands, Education Day and College Fair, the Miss Circle City Classic Coronation, Talent Day, the Coaches Luncheon, the parade and Fall Fest. The band competition will feature Talladega University and Miles College, according to the report.
Since its launch, the Circle City Classic has been one of Indiana Black Expo’s marquee events, pairing football with a broader celebration of HBCU tradition, academic opportunity and Black culture. This year’s changes mark one of the biggest evolutions in the event’s history.
The Circle City Classic began in 1984, when Mississippi Valley State, led by future Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, defeated Grambling State 48-36 at the RCA Dome. The game moved to Lucas Oil Stadium in 2008 and has been played every year since, except in 2020 and 2022.
Last year’s Classic, featuring Morgan State and Miles College, drew about 3,000 fans, an all-time low for the event.
