Southern Heritage Classic set for September 12, 2026 in Memphis, with UAPB–Alcorn rematch
Annual HBCU football event schedules its next edition at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
The Southern Heritage Classic will return to Memphis in 2026 with a rematch between the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Alcorn State University. Organizers set the game for Saturday, September 12, 2026, with a 6 p.m. kickoff at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
The 2026 meeting follows the most recent edition of the Classic, played in 2025, when Arkansas–Pine Bluff won 24–20 over Alcorn State. The event is scheduled as the 37th annual Southern Heritage Classic and is expected to anchor a broader weekend of activities in Memphis on September 11–12, 2026.
How the matchup evolved in recent years
The Southern Heritage Classic began in 1990 and has been staged in Memphis since its inception. For decades, the game was closely associated with Tennessee State and Jackson State, which became the centerpiece matchup for much of the Classic’s history. In recent seasons, the lineup has changed: Arkansas–Pine Bluff entered the Classic after Jackson State exited the series, and Alcorn State became the opposing program after Tennessee State’s participation ended.
Organizers have stated that the goal remains to preserve the event’s competitive football component while maintaining the Classic’s broader cultural footprint tied to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Venue and logistics: what is known now
The game will be played at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, the long-time home of the Classic and one of Memphis’ primary large-scale sports venues. The stadium is undergoing major renovations, and public planning documents and prior project updates have indicated that the post-renovation seating configuration is expected to be smaller than in past decades. How that will affect the 2026 Classic’s capacity, ticket inventory, and seating map has not been finalized publicly for this specific event.
Ticket details for the 2026 game have not yet been released. Organizers have said ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Why the Classic matters to Memphis’ event calendar
Beyond the game itself, the Southern Heritage Classic has traditionally functioned as a multi-day draw for alumni groups, bands, and visitors traveling into the city. The 2026 schedule reinforces Memphis’ role as a central host site for high-profile HBCU football showcases, continuing a tradition that began more than three decades ago and has remained a recurring fall fixture at the Liberty Stadium complex.
- Event: Southern Heritage Classic (37th annual edition)
- Matchup: Arkansas–Pine Bluff vs. Alcorn State
- Date/Time: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 6 p.m.
- Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis
- Tickets: to be announced
The 2026 edition is the second consecutive year the Classic has scheduled Arkansas–Pine Bluff and Alcorn State as opponents.