BULLS VS. WILDCATS: Johnson C. Smith to meet Fort Valley State at the Dec. 13 inaugural event, “an opportunity not just to compete, but to be a part of history.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF BPRW

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Black PR Wire) – The Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (JCSU) will take on the Fort Valley State Wildcats (FVSU) at the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl set for Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 PM at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) announced the selected teams, both of which have a 7-3 record.

"This is an epic and historic moment, said Victor Robenson, Florida Beach Bowl CEO. “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, representing the visiting team on game day, is a private Historically Black College and University in Charlotte, NC. 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, 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 U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 annual college rankings. Located in Fort Valley, Ga., 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’s athletics department, and now we are a part of the inaugural Battle by the Beach Bowl” said 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.”

Tickets are available at FloridaBeachBowl.com. Student ticket prices start at $15. General ticket prices range from $30 to $75. For group sales of 20 tickets or more, contact the Florida Beach Bowl office directly.

The FVSU Wildcats, representing the SIAC Conference, are the home team, with students and band in section 126. The JCSU Golden Bulls, representing the CIAA Conference, are the visiting team, with the students and band in section 110.

Sponsors include Amerant Bank, the American Diabetes Association, City of Fort Lauderdale, Coach USA, Visit Lauderdale, Florida Power & Light Company, and Urban Edge Network.