Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Alcorn State Rematch Set for 37th Southern Heritage Classic

Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn State will return to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium for the 37th Annual Southern Heritage Classic, a rematch of last year’s 24-20 meeting that will count in Southwestern Athletic Conference standings. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, and organizers are billing the game as both a competitive conference contest and a major HBCU showcase.

The 2025 matchup ended with Arkansas-Pine Bluff edging Alcorn State 24-20, and this second straight year in Memphis sets the stage for an early-season SWAC measurement that could shape both teams’ conference trajectories. The Classic returns to the game’s customary calendar slot on the second Saturday in September, giving both programs a high-profile platform before league play settles in.

Stadium and event logistics carry business as well as cultural weight. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium is undergoing renovations meant to be completed for the 2026 season, with permanent seating projected at around 50,000 when the project is finished. That upgrade, paired with the Classic’s draw, promises a meaningful economic bump for Memphis hospitality and game-day vendors if attendance mirrors past years.

Halftime and pageantry remain central to the Classic experience. "The AutoZone Halftime Show will feature the marching bands from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South, and Alcorn State University’s the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite." Musicians and drumlines often serve as the evening’s biggest attraction, reinforcing the cultural and visibility value the Classic brings to both campuses.

Southern Heritage Classic founder Fred Jones Jr. framed the rematch in broader terms: "We are very excited to have the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Alcorn State return to Memphis for a second straight year. It’s very pleasing to be able to present different schools while still maintaining a high standard of competition and entertainment at the same time. We look forward to the ever-present challenge of always improving our event, as it reflects on our great city, our unique culture, and the visibility of the competing institutions."

Ticketing presents a split picture. Organizers have indicated official ticket details will be announced in the coming weeks, while resale marketplaces already list the Sept. 12 event. One resale site currently proclaims, "Southern Heritage Classic tickets are on sale now!" and notes it offers a 100% buyer guarantee; the same vendor lists a customer service number, 888-729-4718, and a promotional code WELCOME5. Fans should weigh primary box-office announcements against third-party resale inventory as they plan travel and group attendance.

For Arkansas-Pine Bluff, which has been part of the Classic slate since 2022 after Jackson State’s departure, and for Alcorn State, the rematch is more than nostalgia. It is an early barometer for recruiting momentum, band and alumni engagement, and SWAC positioning. Expect organizers to finalize official on-sale dates, and for both athletic departments to flesh out 2026 schedules in the coming weeks. The Classic will remain one of the HBCU season’s best intersections of sport, culture, and commerce.