Sunday Conversation with Robbie Branscomb, Executive Director, Fountain City Classic

Fountain City Classic Executive Director Reflects on Legacy, Unity, and New Initiatives

For 35 years, the Fountain City Classic has been more than just a football game. It’s been a reunion, a homecoming, and a celebration of HBCU excellence and community pride. As the Classic marks its 35th anniversary this year, Executive Director Robbie Branscomb says the milestone represents not only longevity but a renewed purpose.

In this week’s Sunday Conversation, Branscomb discusses the Classic’s evolution, its new Close the Gap initiative, and why it remains one of the region’s most anticipated community gatherings.

Q: This marks the 35th year of the Fountain City Classic. What stands out most about this milestone?

A: I believe we have a renewed sense of hope and purpose — especially in what we can do for our community and our young people who are working to attain their education. We also have a renewed sense of unity. We know we have to work together in meaningful ways to support one another.

There are many challenges before us, but this milestone reminds us that when we come together, we can overcome them. That spirit of unity is driving many of the activities you’ll see this year.

Q: What new initiatives are part of this year’s celebration?

A: One of the biggest is Fountain City Classic Cares, which includes our new Close the Gap scholarship initiative. We realized that while many students receive funding to attend college, they often struggle to stay there because of unexpected expenses — things like books, tuition balances, and graduation fees.

We’ve launched a community-facing fundraiser to help meet that need. The community knows us and trusts us — we’ve been here for 35 years — so we’re using that trust to encourage people to join us in supporting students not just to college, but through college.

Q: Are the Classic scholarships still limited to students attending HBCUs?

A: No, not anymore. While the Classic celebrates historically Black colleges and universities, our scholarships are open to any accredited college or university in the United States.

We recognize that not everyone’s career path leads to an HBCU, and that’s fine. What matters is education — because once our young people earn that degree, they can return home and make meaningful contributions to the community that supported them.

Q: The Classic has always been known for its sense of togetherness. What makes it special beyond the football field?

A: The Classic is truly a family reunion. Every year, nearly 50,000 people come together — families, students, alumni, and community leaders. You see people reconnecting with old friends, classmates, even neighbors who have moved away but come back for this weekend.

It’s more than a game. It’s a day of pride, celebration, and unity. That was the founders’ vision, led by State Representative Calvin Smyre, back in 1990 — and it’s still our vision today.

Q: Many fans have asked about the return of the Battle of the Bands. Will we see that this year?

A: We’ve had a lot of conversations about that! While a full-scale Battle of the Bands hasn’t been feasible due to logistics, we’re introducing something exciting — the Fountain City Classic Drumline Battle.

We all know the bands are the heartbeat of the Classic, and the drumlines are the thump of that heartbeat. This year, we’re inviting up to six high school drumlines from across the region — within about a 100-mile radius — to compete as part of our pre-game festivities.

The event will take place on the home side of the stadium, with gates opening at 11 a.m. and the competition beginning at noon. These bands will be competing for a $2,500 prize to support their programs — and for the title of Fountain City Classic Drumline Champion.

The winners will take home a special trophy — a custom snare drum — symbolizing their victory. They’ll keep it for a year and bring it back to defend their title the following year.

Q: After 35 years, what does the Classic mean to you personally?

A: It means legacy. It means love for community. It means continuing the vision of those who started it — to bring people together in the spirit of pride and purpose.

We’ve grown, we’ve evolved, and we’ve faced challenges. But through it all, the Classic has remained a space where education, culture, and unity come together. That’s something worth celebrating every year.

“The Classic started with a vision to bring people together,” Branscomb said. “Thirty-five years later, that vision still drives us. It’s more than football — it’s family, it’s fellowship, and it’s our way of investing in the next generation.”

Q: The Vendor Village has long been a fan favorite. Is it returning this year?
A: Absolutely. The Vendor Village isn’t going anywhere — it’s one of the biggest draws of Classic Week. I honestly believe we have the best vendor village in the Southeast.

We have hundreds of vendors who travel from as far as New York and California, and some have been with us for all 35 years. They keep coming back because, first, it’s lucrative for them, and second, they love the environment. We’re thankful for their loyalty, and the community appreciates the variety they bring — from food and fashion to handmade goods. It truly enhances the Classic experience.

Q: The Cufflinks & Pearls event has always been a stylish highlight. What’s new this year?
A: This year we’re re-imagining it while holding onto the heart of what made it special. We’ve been searching for a new home, and we’ve found it at the National Infantry Museum.

We’re also expanding the event’s purpose — it’s not just about elegance anymore; it’s about engagement. We’re kicking off with a workforce-related panel discussion, especially important given the challenges facing our community.

The panel includes representatives from United Way, Goodwill Industries, Truist Bank, and others, bringing great perspectives on employment and community development. We’ll also honor a trailblazer — I can’t reveal who just yet — and welcome Young Joc as a special guest. He’ll not only entertain but also speak to entrepreneurship and staying steady through tough times.

I have to give a huge shoutout to Deborah Porch, Ahkelia Brunson, and Chelsea Brown for their vision and dedication. They’ve worked tirelessly to make Cufflinks & Pearls a meaningful experience for millennials and young professionals. The new theme, “Leaders of Today and Tomorrow,” captures that evolution perfectly.

Q: The Classic Golf Tournament is another staple of the weekend. What can participants expect this year?
A: The golf tournament remains one of our signature events and kicks off Friday of Classic Week. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with tee-off at noon.

We decided to start a little earlier this year so participants can still make it to the Chairman’s Reception, an invitation-only event later that evening. Golfers can still purchase tickets through our website — there’s time to sign up and be part of the fun. It’s a wonderful networking opportunity and a chance to support scholarships and programs that benefit our students.

As Branscomb reflects, “The Classic isn’t just a game — it’s a movement, a legacy, and a celebration of who we are as a community.”

The Fountain City Classic 35th Anniversary events will take place throughout the week leading up to the game between Albany State University and Fort Valley State University at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium.

Finally, organizers express gratitude to Former State Representative Calvin Smyre, whose vision founded the Classic 35 years ago. None of this, Branscomb adds, would be possible without the countless volunteers from both universities who unite each year to form the Fountain City Classic Committee.

“They may be rivals on game day,” she said with a smile, “but before then, they work together as ‘One Band, One Sound’ to make the Fountain City Classic what it is — a gathering, not just a game.”