An exciting two weeks at Jackson State University is reported to have generated $13 Million for the city of Jackson, Mississippi.
Visit Jackson officials (as reported by Jackson State University) estimate that Jackson State’s 2022 Homecoming and the Boombox Classic featuring ESPN College Gameday had an economic impact of $8.9 million and $4.5 million respectively for the city. Jackson State University President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. in a release by Jackson State University’s newsroom, spoke of the success of the festivities.
“As the largest university in the city of Jackson and the state’s only urban research institution, we are excited that Jackson State University can contribute to the economic engine within our local community and the surrounding areas in such a meaningful way. The past two weeks were not only a win for JSU football and our students, faculty and staff, but also a win for the region. This is a great example of what can be accomplished when city, state and institutional leadership works together to show our visiting guests what Southern hospitality is all about.”
The ESPN College Gameday Week 9 broadcast from Jackson State also drew huge numbers, netting the network:
- 1.819M viewers, #2 show on cable on Saturday, 0.52 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demo (source: ShowBuzzDaily)
- 2.3M final-hour viewers (11 AM-12 PM, featured Deion Sanders interview & Stephen A. Smith as the special guest picker for the week)
- GameDay’s best 9-week start since 2009
Vice President & Athletics Director Ashley Robinson spoke about ESPN College Gameday choosing JSU as the site of their Week 9 broadcast, saying, “It was an honor to get the call to host College Gameday and to continue to shine a spotlight on the great work that Coach Prime is doing with our young men. The response from the Jackson community and our visiting guests has been overwhelming. Being featured was a great opportunity to pique the curiosity of those who want to know what makes Jackson State one of America’s premiere institutions.”
Jackson State Head Coach Deion Sanders also spoke glowing about the festivities of the day, saying, “The highlight of the day is how we all came together as a people and supported College Gameday. White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, all ethnicities all social climbers, social staus. We did that.”
Jackson State beat Campbell 22-14 during Homecoming and bested rival Southern University 35-0 in the BoomBox Classic. Jackson State will play SWAC West opponent Texas Southern University this weekend.
