The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS 

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas has lost another opportunity to host an international HBCU football showcase, with the cancellation of the YES HBCU Football Classic raising questions about the financial arrangements behind bringing major sporting events to the country. The November 7 matchup between Kentucky State University and Morehouse College was expected to bring both programmes to Thomas A Robinson National Stadium for what was promoted as the first football trip to The Bahamas for the two institutions.

However, organisers Young Entrepreneurz Solutions (YES) announced last week that funding challenges had forced the cancellation of the event, with the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup now scheduled to take place at Alumni Stadium in Frankfort, Kentucky. Kickoff remains at 1pm Eastern Time.

The cancellation is particularly disappointing given that The Bahamas was preparing to welcome HBCU football back for the first time in 12 years.

The last HBCU football game hosted in the country was on September 13, 2014, when Texas Southern University defeated Central State University 30-16 at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium during the inaugural Bahamas HBCUX Classic.

The return of the showcase was expected to renew an opportunity for the country to attract HBCU programmes.

And their travelling supporters while promoting Nassau as a destination for international sporting events.

The Tribune contacted a Bahamian official connected to the National Sports Authority for comment on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation. 

The official declined to discuss the matter, explaining that their position did not permit them to publicly address why the game would no longer be held in The Bahamas.

The announcement leaves unanswered questions about the financial shortfall, including how much funding was required, what commitments had been secured and what ultimately prevented the event from going ahead.

Kentucky State athletic director Grant Stepp had previously described the international trip as an opportunity for student-athletes to represent their university on a global stage, while Morehouse highlighted the historic significance of its first international football game.

The relocation also marks the second consecutive season that a planned international football showcase has been moved back to the United States.

Last October, the Thorobreds were scheduled to face Franklin Pierce in Puerto Rico, but concerns about field conditions and student-athlete safety resulted in the game being relocated to New Hampshire. Kentucky State eventually secured a 17-14 victory.

The circumstances surrounding that relocation were different from the funding challenges cited in The Bahamas, and the two events were organised separately.

Meanwhile, the latest cancellation has created uncertainty for supporters who had already made arrangements to attend the Nassau game. 

Fans who purchased tickets or travel packages through YES have been directed to the organisers for refund information, while those who independently booked flights and accommodation must contact their respective providers.

Neither university will process refunds for purchases made through YES or outside travel companies.