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Tennessee State’s famed Aristocrat of Bands will not travel to the Tigers’ road game against the University of Georgia, according to information obtained by HBCU Gameday. The decision also applies to Tennessee State’s cheerleaders and Sophisticated Ladies dance team. According to HBCU Gameday, the decision was driven by a combination of SEC game-day restrictions, operational requirements and the overall cost associated with making the trip.
The report states that tickets alone for the Aristocrat of Bands, cheerleaders and Sophisticated Ladies would total approximately $22,000, with each student performer requiring a $100 ticket. In addition to admission costs, Tennessee State would also be responsible for travel expenses such as hotel accommodations, transportation and other miscellaneous costs.
University officials also determined that the SEC game-day environment does not provide the type of performance opportunities typically associated with HBCU marching bands.
“Unlike the traditional HBCU game-day experience, SEC stadium policies provide visiting bands with limited performance opportunities, including a scheduled halftime appearance and no extended postgame performance,” Tennessee State President Dwayne Tucker wrote in a statement to TSU alumni, according to HBCU Gameday.
Tucker said the decision came after discussions with multiple university leaders about the logistics and value of the trip.
“After consulting with AOB leadership, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Division of Student Affairs on the travel and participation requirements, it has been determined that the Aristocrat of Bands, Cheerleaders, and Sophisticated Ladies will not travel to the Georgia game due to the unique operational requirements and performance restrictions associated with SEC game-day protocols,” Tucker wrote.
Although the Aristocrat of Bands will not perform in Athens, Tennessee State emphasized that the group will continue traveling to and performing at other games throughout the season, including road contests where performance opportunities better align with the band’s traditions and game-day experience.
Tennessee State’s famed Aristocrat of Bands will not travel to the Tigers’ road game against the University of Georgia, according to information obtained by HBCU Gameday. The decision also applies to Tennessee State’s cheerleaders and Sophisticated Ladies dance team.
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