The Tampa Bay Traditional was set to deliver HBCU soccer to an NFL stadium. As a substitute, anticipated Tampa Bay Soccer Traditional won’t happen as initially introduced, sparking frustration and disappointment throughout the fan base and the HBCU world.
Information of the cancellation first surfaced in a launch from the Bethune-Cookman College Division of Athletics, and rapidly unfold by way of social media, the place alumni and supporters expressed confusion, anger, and disbelief.
Bethune-Cookman College Director of Athletics Reggie Theus stated the choice in the end got here all the way down to defending the integrity of this system and its supporters.
“An important factor for us was to guard the student-athletes and the fan expertise,” Theus defined. “These have been the priorities; and once we couldn’t assure the success of every of these, it was time to drag the plug on behalf of the college.”
HBCU AD’s work collectively to search out repair
With the Traditional now off the desk, B-CU has formally relocated its matchup in opposition to the Southern College Jaguars to Municipal Stadium in Daytona Seashore on Oct. 11. Like many applications with out an on-campus facility, the Wildcats lease the stadium and have already begun the logistical strategy of transitioning the sport right into a home-field occasion.
Theus praised Southern College’s Director of Athletics, Roman Banks, for his understanding and cooperation all through the method.
“I need to specific our honest thanks for the professionalism of Southern College Director of Athletics Roman Banks,” Theus stated. “He isn’t new to this and understands what we went by way of. He has been a stable chief by way of this course of. Our aim in accepting the promoters’ supply was to improve the expertise for the followers, alumni, and student-athletes of each colleges. It’s at all times a plus to play in NFL stadiums, however issues weren’t including up and the timelines weren’t adhered to for each establishments.”
This isn’t the primary time the Daytona-based HBCU has introduced its model to an NFL venue. The truth is, the Wildcats efficiently hosted video games in Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium in back-to-back years, together with a high-profile matchup in opposition to Jackson State and Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders in 2022, adopted by one other assembly with Southern College in 2023. These occasions succeeded, Theus famous, as a result of B-CU itself led the promotions. The Tampa Bay Traditional, nevertheless, was spearheaded by an outdoor sponsorship group that failed to satisfy essential deadlines.
Nonetheless, the optics of the cancellation have been harsh. Some Bethune-Cookman alumni and followers, unaware of the contractual preparations with the third-party promoter Michael E. David, directed blame on the college. Others have tried to make clear the state of affairs, however as Theus acknowledged, social media reactions stay unpredictable, and B-CU continues to soak up criticism.
Wow! Do they notice people had already made journey plans for Tampa? Yikes !
Proper factor was executed; simply transfer on.
Its was going to be so superb in Tampa the nice ol Tampa Florida traditional days
I stay in Tampa and have contacts with individuals at Raymond James stadium. It was not the fault of BCU OR SOUTHERN UNIV. to alter this sport. There are promoter on the market that didn’t do their half. This occurs with concert events as properly.
Not stunned… who ever was selling that sport and chargeable for the venue doesn’t know what they’re doing…
hmmm shouldn’t they’ve issues put in a contract as to what ought to or shouldn’t happen? I imply don’t depart your self open to foolishness particularly if they’ve executed BCC fallacious previously.
