MEAC/SWAC Challenge
| MEAC/SWAC Challenge | |
|---|---|
| MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney | |
| Stadium | Florida Citrus Bowl (2008–2013, 2015–) |
| Location |
 Orlando, Florida |
| Previous stadiums |
Legion Field (2005–2007) Bright House Networks Stadium (2014) |
| Previous locations |
 Birmingham, Alabama |
| Operated | 2005–present |
| Conference tie-ins |
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) |
| Previous conference tie-ins | Division I-AA |
| Sponsors | |
The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is an annual Historically Black College Football game showcasing a team from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).[1] The series began in 2005, and for its first three years it was held in Birmingham, Alabama at Legion Field. Since 2008, it has been held in Orlando, Florida at the Florida Citrus Bowl. In 2014, the game will be played at Bright House Networks Stadium as the Citrus Bowl undergoes renovations. Currently the MEAC leads the series with seven wins to the SWAC's two. The game is televised nationally on ESPN2, and the city of Orlando and The Walt Disney Company sponsor the game.
History
Controversy was attracted to the game in 2008 when it was announced that the MEAC and SWAC decided to move the game from Birmingham to Orlando where the widely popular Florida Classic game between Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University is held. Once it was announced that the game would be held in Orlando, it was also announced that the Walt Disney World company would drop its sponsorship of the Florida Classic and begin to sponsor the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. In response to the move, both Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman vowed to not play in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge as long as it is held in Orlando. Bethune-Cookman was scheduled to play in the game in 2008 but refused to play.
Three years later, Bethune-Cookman reversed its decision against the game and played in the 2011 Challenge in Orlando, FL. The president of Bethune-Cookman, Dr. Trudie Kibbe-Reed issued this statement: “I got a call from (MEAC commissioner Dennis Thomas) a month ago, asking us to reconsider.” She explained further, “The commissioner asked for a favor, and I am serving as the chair for the MEAC this year, so it was impossible to say no.”
Reed also mentioned that since the attendance of the game has remained dismal in Orlando and is geared more towards the national arena, it has not had a significant impact on the Florida Classic. Attendance for the 2011 Challenge with BCU was a paltry 17,337.
Florida A&M also reversed its stance on playing in the M/S Challenge, opening its 2013 season against Mississippi Valley State to appeal to its in-state fan base.[2][3]
The Florida Classic routinely attracts nearly 70,000+ fans in Orlando while the MEAC/SWAC Challenge highest attendance in Orlando is currently 21,367; the average attendance since the game has been in Orlando is now 16,439 (actual 16,438.5).
It is unclear what the payout numbers are for participating MEAC/SWAC schools.
Game notes
| Year | MEAC Team | Score | SWAC Team | Attendance | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | SC State | 27–14 | Alabama State | 18,452 | Birmingham |
| 2006 | Hampton Univ | 27–26 | Grambling | 19,175 | Birmingham |
| 2007 | Florida A&M | 27–33 | Southern Univ. | 30,106 | Birmingham |
| 2008 | Hampton Univ | 17–13 | Jackson State | 10,723 | Orlando |
| 2009 | SC State | 34–31 | Grambling | 21,367 | Orlando |
| 2010 | Delaware State | 27–37 | Southern Univ. | 16,327 | Orlando |
| 2011 | Bethune-Cookman | 63–14 | Prairie View | 17,337 | Orlando |
| 2012 | Bethune-Cookman | 38–28 | Alabama State | 17,410 | Orlando |
| 2013 | Florida A&M | 27–10 | Mississippi Valley State | 24,376 | Orlando |
| 2014 | N Carolina A&T | 47–13 | Alabama A&M | 8,210[4] | Orlando |