HBCU Football Teams Selected for the First Annual Florida Beach Bowl

Today, leadership from the CIAA and SIAC conferences have
announced the selected teams for the First Annual Florida Beach Bowl.
The Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (7-3) will take on the Fort Valley State Wildcats (7-3) at the
inaugural Florida Beach Bowl, set for Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 7:30 PM at DRV
PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
"This is an epic and historic moment, says Victor Robenson, CEO of Florida Beach Bowl. “We are
thrilled to bring these top teams to South Florida, and to make waves and score big for the Fort
Lauderdale area and all of the surrounding communities.”
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), representing the visiting team on game day, is a private
Historically Black College and University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sitting at the highest point in
the Queen City, JCSU has been a beacon of hope, intellectual capital, social justice and economic
development since it was founded in 1867. “We are honored to take part in this historic event,”
said Maurice Flowers, JCSU’s Head Coach. “It's a testament to the hard work, dedication, and
resilience of our athletes. We are ready to bring our A-game to Fort Lauderdale.”
Fort Valley State University (FVSU), representing the home team on game day, is rated Georgia’s
#1 public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for the sixth year in a row, according to
the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 annual college rankings. Located in Fort Valley, Georgia, the
school boasts a tradition of excellence since its founding in 1895. “It’s a privilege for me to be back
here in South Florida. I left the University of Miami in January as the Senior Associate Athletic
Director, for the opportunity to lead FVSU athletics department, and now we are a part of the
inaugural Battle by the Beach Bowl” says Dr. Renae Myles Payne, athletic director of FVSU. “We
see it as an opportunity not just to compete, but to be a part of history. Our student-athletes and fans
are extremely excited to represent Fort Valley State University and the SIAC, on such a grand
stage.”
Purchase your tickets today at FloridaBeachBowl.com. The FVSU Wildcats, representing the SIAC
Conference, is the home team; and the students and band section is 126. The JCSU Golden Bulls,
representing the CIAA Conference, is the visiting team; and the students and band section is 110.

Student ticket prices start at $15. General ticket prices range from $30 to $75. Group sales for 20
tickets or more, are to contact the Florida Beach Bowl office directly.
Current sponsors of the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl include: Amerant Bank, American Diabetes
Association (ADA), City of Fort Lauderdale, Coach USA, Visit Lauderdale, Florida Power &
Light Company (FPL). Urban Edge Network is the Official Broadcast Partner.

About the Florida Beach Bowl
The Florida Beach Bowl game features the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls from the Central
Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the Fort Valley State Wildcats from the Southern
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
Be sure to follow, like and share the news and information about the Florida Beach Bowl on social
media to stay up-to-date: Facebook, Instagram and Linked In @floridabeachbowl; and on X
(formerly Twitter) @flbeachbowl.

The Florida Beach Bowl is more than just a football game; it is a celebration of excellence and
culture. For more information, visit FloridaBeachBowl.com.