INDIANAPOLIS — The 42nd annual Circle City Classic returns to Indianapolis this weekend, bringing the music and traditions of historically Black colleges and universities to the city.
The festivities begin with the Circle City Classic Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of North and Pennsylvania streets.
Actor and entertainer Woody McClain will serve as grand marshal for the event, which typically draws nearly 100,000 spectators to the downtown streets.
The parade will travel south on Pennsylvania Street, turn west onto Ohio Street near the Salesforce Tower, and then head north on Meridian Street. The 1-mile loop concludes where Meridian and North streets meet, near the American Legion Mall and Indiana World War Memorial.
Organizers reimagined this year’s Classic to celebrate HBCU legacy while incorporating local high school talent. Four football matchups will happen Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium:
Between the afternoon and evening games, the HBCU Battle of the Bands will happen at 5 p.m. at the stadium. This year’s lineup features the Kentucky State University “Mighty Marching Thorobreds,” Talladega College’s “The Great Tornado Band,” and the Miles College “Purple Marching Machine.”
Musicians and dancers spent months preparing every beat and choreographed step.
“I’m excited to showcase what we’ve been working on and how hard we’ve been working. I’m excited to see other bands and dancers and see how they perform,” said Kaniyah Cooper, dance captain at Miles College, said Friday.
A pep rally Friday outside Lucas Oil Stadium offered a preview of the energy, featuring local groups including cheerleaders. Aniyah Williams, a Ben Davis cheerleader, said she remains calm despite the large stage. “This feels like home, so I’m not nervous.”
