It was great pleasure and honor that we welcome you to the 25th Anniversary edition of the John A. Merritt Classic Weekend! This year’s Classic continued to build upon the remarkable leadership that created and facilitated it from its inception. It also continued our meaningful traditions while adding new and exciting elements targeting a cross section of fans, students and alumni.

We are thankful for our presenting sponsor, the Tennessee Titans, as we embarked upon a newly cemented partnership extending our relationship that began with the first Classic in 1999. With their enhanced capabilities, we intend to take the Classic to new heights with more interactive experiences and gameday fan engagements.

As we, year-over-year, work to deliver the same level of excellence & Tiger Pride that “Big John” delivered for years as head coach, your enthusiasm and support for the Classic are essential to propel us into the next quarter century of Classic fun – all for the singular cause of increasing the educational opportunities for students attending TSU. We planned and executed an exciting schedule of events that ran the gamut from student activities to tailgating, community activities to comedy shows, special events and parties, and of course, the Big Game @ Nissan Stadium.

Next year, on August 31, 2024, against Mississippi Valley State, we plan to take the Classic week even further, creating partnerships and activations with some of the nation’s best brands, as we work together to make the John A. Merritt Classic one of the MUST ATTEND Classic events in the country!

We can’t wait to see all of you and host you again here in Roar City!

Get ready because “It’s Showtime!”