ATLANTA — Fans arriving for the Celebration Bowl are excited and ready to see all the city has to offer.
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The Celebration Bowl is an annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) classic like the Super Bowl for the two teams.
“Go Dawgs.” That’s what South Carolina State fans shouted in unison, as they prepared for the big game between their team and Jackson State University.
The fans said they’re here to tear into Jackson State, just like they did when they won the Celebration Bowl against JSU in 2021.
“We’re getting ready to do it again,” John Lee told Channel 2′s Tom Jones.
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The Celebration Bowl pairs the winners of the SWAC and MEAC conferences each year. It’s an annual HBCU classic.
“This is our Super Bowl and we’re here to show it,” Aubrai Brailey from South Carolina State University said.
You could also say it’s Atlanta’s mini Super Bowl. Fans are flocking to the city for the big game, filling up hotels and restaurants and partaking in other goods and services.
“We’re coming to spend money. We’re coming to have fun. We’re gonna be at different events throughout the city. We’re gonna have a great time. I think we’re gonna leave a lot of money in Atlanta,” Lee said.
And it’s not just the game that’s bringing fans here. The popular Band of the Year competition returns with four schools vying for the title.
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Virginia State University’s Band Director Dr. Taylor Whitehead says people really come out and show their support.
“This city loves good bands. To come here and perform for the city is a great opportunity, obviously from the recruitment standpoint,” Whitehead said.
The South Carolina State fans say they are coming for everything the city has to offer. But, they say the most important task is going home with a victory over JSU.
“We took it the first time and we’re gonna take it the second time,” Kay Snider said.
The Band of the Year competition is Friday at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
The Celebration Bowl is Saturday at the stadium and will air on Channel 2 Action News at Noon.
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