After the MEAC announced its plans to suspend all fall sports for 2020 on Thursday, ESPN Events, the company which owns the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and the Celebration Bowl, announced the cancelation of both television events.
“Due to the MEAC’s announcement of the cancellation of fall sports, both the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and Celebration Bowl are cancelled for the 2020 season,” the company said in a release. “Ticket refunds will be available through Ticketmaster.”
Executive Director John Grant released the following statement:
“We understand and respect the conference’s decision. The impact of COVID-19 on the Black and African-American community remains at the forefront of assuring everyone’s safety. HBCUs are an integral part of college football and the MEAC’s absence will undoubtedly be a void this season. We appreciate the support of our sponsors, partners, and fans of the Grambling Tigers and South Carolina State Bulldogs who were set to kick off the 2020 season. We look forward to the return of both the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and Celebration Bowl next year.”
Grambling State and South Carolina State were slated to play on Sept. 6 in the MEAC/SWAC Challege in Atlanta.
