Friday, September 26, 2025

Circle City Classic®

Coaches Luncheon

The Coaches Luncheon is a recognition event that showcases the coaches, student-athletes, supporters, volunteers and honorees for their commitment to the long-standing tradition of Circle City Classic. The luncheon takes place in Lucas Oil Stadium which serves as the perfect backdrop to commemorate and celebrate the Circle City Classic weekend of events and the 41 years of impact.

Save The Date

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 | 11:30 – 1:00 pm

Lucas Oil Stadium, Lucas Oil Plaza North Gate, 500 S. Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis

Since its inception in 1987, The Major Taylor Award has been presented to African American athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, and officials who not only make a significant local and national contribution to youth but also encourage excellence in future generations. Past recipients are Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Muhammad Ali, Jerry Rice, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, Coach Tony Dungy, Tamika Catchings, and Robert Mathis. To date, IBE has given over $5 million in scholarships to Indiana students.

Major Taylor Award Recipient

Antoine Bethea

This year’s recipient is Antoine Bethea, Super Bowl Champion, three-time NFL Pro Bowler, and founder of the SafeHaven Empowerment Center in Newport News, Virginia. Bethea’s commitment to uplifting at-risk youth through education, mentorship, and wellness initiatives has transformed lives and communities.

The SafeHaven Empowerment Center offers academic support, career development, mental health resources, and recreation—all aimed at preparing youth for success. Bethea, a proud Howard University alum and recent inductee into the 2024 Black College Football Hall of Fame, exemplifies the values of service, leadership, and legacy that the Major Taylor Award represents.

Past honorees include icons such as Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Muhammad Ali, Tamika Catchings, and Coach Tony Dungy. To date, Indiana Black Expo has awarded over $5 million in scholarships to Indiana students.

Registration for the Coaches Luncheon is Now Closed

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Become a Sponsor

Since 1984, Indiana Black Expo has hosted Circle City Classic®, a unique showcase of HBCUs, academic excellence, culture, music, and tradition. Circle City Classic® is a scholarship fundraiser that has helped IBE award over $5 million in scholarships to deserving youth attending colleges and universities nationwide since 1984. Over this same span, Circle City Classic® has contributed more than $340 million dollars to the Indianapolis economy.

Join our community and become a sponsor of Circle City Classic®.

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