9TH ANNUAL GULF COAST CHALLENGE

The Mobile Sports Authority will host the Gulf Coast Challenge, a series of events leading to a showdown between the Jackson State Tigers and the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, from Thursday, Oct. 1, through Saturday, Oct. 3, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The festivities kick off on Thursday with a College & Career Fair, followed by a powerful Gospel Explosion concert later that evening. On Friday, the day starts with the team luncheon, then the HBCU Fest featuring a cheerleading showcase with both Jackson State and Alabama A&M cheerleaders, a Greek exhibition and a performance by Juvenile and Webbie. The excitement continues Saturday with the Gulf Coast Challenge Mardi Gras-style Parade in downtown Mobile, leading up to the kickoff at 4 p.m. General admission is $36. For more information, go to https://mobilegulfcoastchallenge.com/events.