The St. Louis HBCU River City Classic, which was scheduled for Sunday at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, has been scrapped. The teams slated to play in the game, SWAC members Alabama A&M and Arkansas-Pine Bluff, will still play, but the site has moved to Simmons Bank Field in Pine Bluff.
Kickoff will remain at the regularly scheduled 3 p.m. on Sunday.
UAPB athletics director Chris Robinson said the game was moved because some contractual obligations by the game organizers were not being met. A story on the UAPB Athletic website said that “both schools were left with serious uncertainty about the game's venue, transportation, housing accommodations and whether other agreed-upon expenses would be covered.”
"We are thankful to our university administration and athletics department staff for quickly pivoting to ensure we are able to host Alabama A&M so that fans can still see this matchup between the football teams and experience our band and the excitement of our cheer squads," Robinson said in a statement released by the UAPB Athletic Department. "We were excited about taking our team, band, cheer squads and fans to St. Louis and hope that we're able to do so in the near future."
A statement from Alabama A&M athletic director Dr. Paul A. Bryant was also included in the UAPB release, stating, “Although we are disappointed at not being able to participate in the St. Louis HBCU River City Classic, we are excited to be back on the campus at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff."
According to KSDK (Channel 5) in St. Louis, Classic organizers released the following statement: “The Classic was canceled because we experienced substantial and critical interference concerning producing and promoting the Classic at the hands of Explore St. Louis—Dome at America’s Center, Critical and KEY Personnel (Key Dome Personnel). As a result, our ability to fully sell Classic Tickets through Ticketmaster was impeded, restrained or not allowed to happen. And as we all know, when your ability to sell tickets for an event is compromised, the event is ultimately doomed for failure; such is the Classic at this very moment. Explore St. Louis—Dome at America’s Center substantial interference regarding the Classic includes: Excessive Ticketing and Facility Fees, Refusal to Provide Classic Consignment Tickets, Unexplained Interference with Classic Contractual Business Relationships, and Unusual Charges and Fees.”
UAPB officials said any fans who purchased their tickets through Ticketmaster must contact Ticketmaster to request a refund.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email steve.irvine@1819news.com.
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