Don’t miss the action at the 26th Annual John A. Merritt Classic at 5pm on Saturday, August 31st. Witness the Tennessee State University Tigers as they take on Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils in a thrilling football game in Nissan Stadium. The Merritt Classic is the annual game that brings out the barbecue grills, fish fries, and fellowship.
A community revival of sorts and a North Nashville family reunion wrapped into one – the John Merritt Classic. Though it brings thousands from across the city and region to Tennessee State University, it all started years ago with one man – John Ayers Merritt, the coach who took Tennessee State to its highest level of football in the program’s history.
Merritt, affectionately known as “Big John,” dominated and revolutionized the game of football during his coaching career, compiling a record of 172-33-7 at TSU and 232-65-11 overall. Merritt’s signature cigar smoke after wins is still remembered by his former players and the Big Blue Nation.
Adding to the weekend are many activities, including the Pep Rally & University Block Party from 2-6 pm in Hale Stadium, and a JMC Fashion Show on Friday, August 30.
Don’t miss the annual Showcase of Bands on Saturday from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Nissan Stadium, featuring great marching bands from Cane Ridge, Whites Creek, White Haven, Pearl-Cohn, Stratford, and Southwest high schools.
The Tigers will host all five home games at Nissan Stadium this year, including marquee matchups like the John Merritt Classic and Homecoming. TSU will kick off its season in Nashville against MVSU on August 31 in the John Merritt Classic. The game will kick off at 5:00 p.m. CDT and will be televised on ESPN+.
TSU football fans should prepare for a lineup of changes as construction of the new Titans Stadium alters the 2024 gameday experience. Fans can expect to find themselves back on the home side of Nissan stadium this season. Fans who have had season tickets in the past can expect to be in the same seat location, just on the opposite side. However, due to ongoing construction, consider ride-share drop-offs as an alternative. Tailgating is centralized in lot R, promising a vibrant pre-game atmosphere despite the adjustments. Authorities recommend utilizing gate six, designated as the optimal entrance for home games.
Enjoy the 9th Annual BBQ Soul Festival: Bringing the Flavor, Fun, and Soul on John Merritt Classic Weekend downtown in Riverfront Park, across from Nissan Stadium. Back and better than ever, get ready for an unforgettable musical experience, whether you’re a BBQ connoisseur, a music lover, or just looking for a great time with family and friends. This event has something for everyone, so mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in mouthwatering BBQ, groove to the beats of live music, and enjoy fun activities for all ages.
After the game, enjoy Day 1 Saturday 5 – 11pm CDT with Boosie & Rob49 and Day 2 Sunday from 2 – 11pm CDT with Master P, Fiend, Mia X, Silkk the Shocker, Sons of Funk, Mercedes Choppa, Mac, Young Bleed, and more. Details, and 1-day or 2-day passes available now.at: Oldschoolbbqfestival.com.
About Coach John Merritt
Established in 1999, the John Merritt Classic pays homage to one of the greatest coaches in Tennessee State and college football history, John Ayers Merritt.
If ever there was a touch of greatness in a football coach, John Merritt possessed it. Therefore, when Tennessee State University officials were trying to identify a name for an annual classic to be played at the former Adelphia Coliseum, the John Merritt Classic was a natural.
The highly motivated and truly successful coach dominated and revolutionized the game of football during his career.
In 1963, TSU hired Merritt to become the school’s 14th football head coach. He coached the Tigers for 20 years and amassed over 170 wins for TSU.
Over the course of his career, Merritt continued to enhance the university’s rich football tradition- completing four undefeated seasons, winning six national championships and four Black college football titles. Along with an excellent staff of assistant coaches, including Joe Gilliam, Sr. and Alvin Coleman who had accompanied Merritt to TSU from Jackson State in 1963, he implemented a wide open pro-type ‘T’ offense with multiple sets.
In 1967, Merritt’s team achieved a national defensive record for allowing opponents a paltry average of 2.15 yards per carry and a year later he was named Coach of the Year. Merritt’s team received the Associated Press and the United Press International small college championships in 1975, and by 1979 he had a record of 130-25-5. Merritt modestly downplayed his role in the team’s success and attributed the team’s winning record to “the Good Lord.”
The more games Merritt won and the more players he sent to the National Football League, the more attention Tennessee and Tennessee State University gained nationally. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter called to congratulate Merritt for his 200th victory.
The city of Nashville named John A. Merritt Boulevard (old Centennial Boulevard between 28th and 44th Avenues) in his honor in 1982. By then, Merritt was in failing health. From 1963 until 1983, when he resigned, Merritt compiled a record of 172-33-7 at TSU and 232-65-11 overall. He was inducted posthumously into the National College Football Hall of Fame on December 6, 1994.
During his career, Merritt built a powerful program that produced NFL stars like ‘Jefferson Street’ Joe Gilliam (Pittsburgh Steelers), Richard Dent (Chicago Bears), Ed ‘Too Tall’ Jones (Dallas Cowboys), Claude Humphrey (Philadelphia Eagles) and many others.
