40th Anniversary

Join us in celebrating 40 years of incredible impact in Indiana and beyond with two outstanding HBCUs and their leaders on Friday, September 27th from 8:00 to 11:00pm. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

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Celebrating Our Purpose & Our Partners

Join us in celebrating 40 years of extraordinary impact of the Circle City Classic®, exposing youth to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and post-secondary educational institutions. We will honor the leaders of this year’s Circle City Classic® universities, Norfolk State University and North Carolina Central University.

IBE’s 40th Anniversary Circle City Classic® President’s Reception Gala will take place on Friday, September 27th in the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Entertainment will feature R&B Singer & Songwriter, Will Downing, Indy’s own R&B saxophonist, Bryan Thompson, and Actor Comedian, Joe Torry as Host. All proceeds from the Gala benefit the Circle City Classic® Scholarship fund which has awarded over $5 million in scholarships since 1984.

All proceeds benefit the Circle City Classic® Scholarship Fund.

Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ph.D.

President – Norfolk State University

Karrie G. Dixon, Ph.D.

Chancellor – North Carolina Central University

Will Downing

Grammy Nominated Singer & Songwriter

With a career that spans over 37 years and 27 albums, Will Downing is one of the most versatile and loved voices of our time. Known as The Prince of Sophisticated Soul, his repertoire consists of signature interpretations of R&B classics like “I Go Crazy”, “Wishing On A Star” and “I Try”, with original hits “A Million Ways”, “Sorry I” and the show-stopping duet with Rachelle Ferrell, “Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This”.

His distinctive baritone voice has resonated in the hearts of women world-wide and carved a unique niche in the music marketplace, with fresh melodies and lush arrangements that satisfy all musical palates.

Joe Torry

Comedian & Actor

Joe Torry is one of the most memorable comedians on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. After 35 years in Hollywood, he continues to make people laugh on stage and at the box office. Torry has carved a solid niche for himself with his unique comedy style. He doesn’t pre-rehearse his scripts. He uses the audience’s energy to unleash his raw and unfiltered comedic style.

In 2006, Torry was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside legends Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Jerry Lewis. In 2017, Torry received the Robin Harris Legend Honor award at the LOL Comedy Honors. His Alma Mater also honored him for his community service and inducted him into the Hall of Fame and National HBCU Alumni Hall of Fame.

Bryan Thompson

Pop/RNB Instrumentalist

Bryan Thompson (known as B. Thompson) is a Pop / RNB Instrumentalist from Indianapolis, Indiana. At age 9, Bryan became a child prodigy turned internet sensation B. Thompson’s covers of popular records has garnered massive social media attention and views totaling over 100 million and counting. Since January 2023, B. Thompson has been touring with the legendary singer and songwriter Babyface as a member of his band as a saxophonist, vocalist, and dancer. He was featured on America’s Got Talent this year.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you would like to learn more about Title sponsorship, Presenting sponsorship, Co-Sponsorship, and Table sponsorship, please get in touch with Cara Holdsclaw at (317) 923 – 3048 or choldsclaw@indianablackexpo.com. You may also get details by clicking on the button below.

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Ticket Prices & Information

This celebratory event offers multiple ways to experience the evening and contribute to our Circle City Classic® Scholarship Program.

Each gala ticket includes dinner, a cash bar. The event is on Friday, September 27^th at 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm) at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Tables

$2,500 VIP Table – This package includes a 10-person table at the gala, a Meet & Greet and ten $50 premium football game tickets.
$1,500 Premium Table – This package includes a 10-person table at the gala, ten $30 reserved seat football game tickets.
$1,000 Standard Table – This package includes a 10-person table at the gala, ten $20 general admission football game tickets.

Individual Tickets

$150 VIP Ticket
$100 Premium Ticket
$75 Standard Ticket

Circle City Classic® President’s Gala tickets can no longer be purchased online.

Tickets can ONLY be purchased while quantities last at the Indiana Black Expo Box Office.
Please call the box office for availability at (317) 925 – 2702.

Parking Options for the Gala

The Indiana Roof Ballroom’s entrance is on Washington Street through the Indiana Repertory Theater Building.

Claypool – Court Street Garage
Located in the Embassy Suites, the Claypool – Court Street Garage is attached to the Indiana Roof Ballroom and is accessible from Washington and Capitol Streets. The Washington Street entrance is the best entrance to use as sometimes the Capitol Street entrance is closed. Those who are staying overnight at the hotel, can park in the garage for the overnight fee.

Circle Centre Mall Garages
The Sun Garage is accessible from Washington Street. It is just steps away from the front door of the Indiana Roof Ballroom or accessible through the Arts Garden.

The World Garage
Located on Maryland Street just one block south of the Indiana Roof Ballroom behind the Hyatt. In inclement weather, you may use the bridge into the Hyatt and walk through the Arts Garden without going outside.
Please note: The Arts Garden access closes at 9:45 pm.

Metered Parking
Metered Parking is also available. Meter operations are Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 11 pm. The parking meters accept credit card payments in addition to coins and phone payments.

The Future is Bright

Youth Ticket Sponsorship

You can help send a local youth to the both the Education Day College Fair AND the Circle City Classic ® game by sponsoring youth tickets. The Education Day College Fair, a powerful educational experience designed to motivate African-American youth to improve their educational outcomes and pursue post-secondary education.The greater the attendance, the greater the number of scholarships that are provided to Hoosier high school students as the proceeds benefit the Circle City Classic® Scholarship Fund.

Sponsor Youth Tickets