County Commission Approves $45,000 For Gulf Coast Classic

The Mobile County Commission approved $45,000 for the annual Gulf Coast Classic.

The football game, which is scheduled for November 14th at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, features two historically black schools, Alabama State University in Montgomery and Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The money from the Mobile County Commission is equal to last year’s contribution of $50,000, minus the 10-percent cut made to all county appropriations to balance this year’s budget.

Commissioners praised Amelia Bacon, the GCC's new executive director for obtaining Commonwealth National Bank as the title sponsor and for her commitment to pay the debts owed from last year’s game.

Bacon said last year’s game was marred by mismanagement.

“The Classic was run by a group of promoters last year,” Bacon said. “That was not appropriate.”

“What we’ve got is the total package,” said Commission president Mike Dean about the new executive director. “She brings people together, and she has business sense and accountability.”

Commissioner Stephen Nodine said the county would “do all possible to make (the game) a success.”

“It’s important that the community has rallied around the game,” said Commissioner Merceria Ludgood. “It’s been an asset to the community for 34 years. A strong coalition will guarantee its future.”

The city council last month approved giving $47,500 for this year's came. There was some controversy last year about the $275,000 the city contributed to the game and whether the schools got the amount they were supposed to.