Central State set to play rival Kentucky State at 33rd Circle City Classic®


Central State University and Kentucky State University will continue their longstanding rivalry at the 33rd Circle City Classic® this Saturday at 3 pm in Lucas Oil Stadium.

 
Saturday marks the third straight year the Circle City Classic has played host to the CSU-KSU rivalry, which dates back to 1947. CSU currently owns a 35-20-1 advantage in the all-time series with the only tie coming in 1957. KSU has found recent success in the series, including last year's 21-17 win. With CSU joining the SIAC in 2013, the game has also held significant implications in the SIAC West Division standings. SIAC Commissioner Greg Moore considers it an honor for two SIAC programs to be afforded the opportunity to showcase their talents in a premier sporting event.

"The SIAC is very proud to once again have two of our member institutions participating in the Circle City Classic - a game I consider to be one of the premier events of its kind in the country," SIAC Commissioner Greg Moore said. "Last year the Circle City Classic was one of the top attended NCAA Division II football games and was a great experience for our student-athletes, fans, SIAC member institutions and the conference."


The Marauders have a long history competing in the Circle City Classic® dating back to 1986. CSU has a 3-3 all-time record in the Classic with wins coming in 86', 87' and 92'. 

 

The Circle City Classic® is a joint collaboration between Indiana Black Expo, Inc. and the Indiana Sports Corporation. The net proceeds from the Classic help support youth initiatives for each organization. Additionally, each year the Classic's educational partner, the Indianapolis Black Alumni Council, hosts an educational college fair that exposes over 2,500 youths to colleges and universities throughout the country.


CSU Vice President of Athletics & Institutional Advancement Jahan Culbreath expressed gratitude and excitement about Central State's continued partnership with IBE and Central State's participating in the game.


"The Circle City Classic is a fixture not only in Indianapolis but throughout the country as one of the premier classics. It gives the opportunity to showcase the talent of our students, and helps promote awareness of two tremendous HBCU institutions in the Midwest region. Central State is pleased to continue to work alongside the administration at KSU as well as the leaders and tremendous support staff who organize the Circle City Classic. Committing to be part of the Circle City Classic shows our dedication to enhance our brand and broaden our fan base. Most importantly, our presence in Indianapolis continues to help grow the quality collegiate experience for all of the CSU community," Culbreath said.


In addition to playing in a great venue, ESPN and the NCAA have announced that fans can watch the Circle City Classic® on ESPN3. It will be the second straight season a Marauder athletic event has been featured on ESPN3 (http://www.espn.com/watchespn/index/_/id/2869571/central-state-vs-kentucky-state). Fans can also follow the game on Central State's Live Stats page (http://www.sidearmstats.com/centralstate/football/).



Central State and Kentucky State are entering the second year of a three year deal with Circle City Classic®. The date for the 2017 contest will be Saturday, Sept. 23.


MEDIA COVERAGE

Central State returns to Circle City Classic (John Bombatch/Xenia Gazette)

Circle City Classic Parade set for Sept. 24 (Fox 59)

Circle City Classic kicks off with pep rally (WISH 8)

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