Grambling State and Prairie View A&M are preparing to meet in the 99th State Fair Classic on Saturday at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas.
The first State Fair Classic at Cotton Bowl Stadium was held in 1925 between Wiley College and Langston University. The two played to a 0-0 tie.
Grambling State and Prairie View A&M have played each other at the State Fair of Classic each year since 1992. Last year, Grambling won 35-20.
"Grambling is not just an opponent but a partner," Prairie View A&M Athletic Director Anton Goff said. "We have a lot of fun together around this game and around competition but always rooting for each other as well."
"We're excited, of course, about our band, our cheer," Grambling State Athletic Director Trayvean Scott said. "We're also excited about our institution and being able to put her first in all things and having a platform in the DFW Metroplex for the world to see all things that is Grambling State University."
The chief executive of Visit Dallas said the game can bring attention to Grambling State and Prairie View A&M, but it also brings attention to the city.
"Continuing to host this matchup between two prestigious HBCUs in the iconic Cotton Bowl is something our host city can be proud of every year," Craig Davis said. "Each fall, this event brings attention to Dallas. It brings passion and a wonderful week of entertainment."
"I'll make a prediction: It's going to be a tie game," Dallas City Councilman Tennell Atkins said. "I'm going to wish all the fans it'll be the best game you've ever seen. Score's going to be your imagination, and just dream of the score. It's going to be an exciting game for the fans and city of Dallas. It's going to bring joy for the whole family."
"I know one thing that's not going to happen. There will not be a tie," Grambling's Scott responded.
Last year, 52,389 people attended the State Fair Classic, the biggest crowd for a matchup of historically Black colleges and universities. Tickets and information about Saturday's game are available here.
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