DALLAS, Sept. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — September marks the return of the football season and AT&T* is bringing all the excitement and fun of the HBCU football season to consumers through its title sponsorship of the AT&T Nation's Football Classic? and its exclusive communications services sponsorship of the HBCU Tailgate Tour, featuring Russ Parr and Rickey Smiley. AT&T's support of the Nation's Football Classic and HBCU Tailgate Tour will celebrate and showcase the rich heritage, traditions and rivalries between HBCUs.

"We are excited to celebrate this upcoming HBCU football season with our consumers and want to provide them with a great football experience," said Jennifer Jones, vice president, AT&T Diverse Markets. "We want our consumers to know that we are committed to empowering the communities we serve through our commitment to diversity and education."

As part of activating the Nation's Football Classic and the HBCU Tailgate Tour sponsorships, AT&T will host various events for fans to join in on the celebration before and after the games. These activities include a digital lounge with prize giveaways, games, step shows, karaoke competitions and much more.

Here is a preview of some of the activities AT&T will host this HBCU football season:

AT&T Nation's Football Classic

The inaugural game featuring the highly anticipated matchup between Morehouse College and Howard University will be held on Sept. 10 at Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Stadium in Washington, D.C. There are also events scheduled around the game for consumers to enjoy. Events surrounding the football classic include:

AT&T HBCU Tailgate Tour featuring Russ Parr and Rickey Smiley

The Russ Parr Morning Show and Rickey Smiley Morning Show are set to host the official tailgate parties for a series of HBCU football classic games and homecoming events that reach audiences of up to 60,000. The tour will stop in eight different markets ? Birmingham, Ala.; Orlando, Fla.; Atlanta; Dayton, Ohio; Indianapolis; Durham, N.C.; Washington, D.C.; Richmond, Va. ? and provide fans with the opportunity to participate in karaoke competitions, Greek step show performances, cookout contests, and more. The tour runs from Sept. 1-Nov. 30.

The games schedule for the HBCU Tailgate Tour can be found below, or by visiting att.com/thebridge.

Additional details of the AT&T Nation's Football Classic, HBCU sponsorships and other news, schedule of events by region, and product offerings can be found at att.com/thebridge.

For more information and detailed disclaimer information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates ? AT&T operating companies ? are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. ?It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse? and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

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About the AT&T Nation's Football Classic?

The AT&T Nation's Football Classic? is a black college football game held annually at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. This year, the game features Howard University against Morehouse College. Organized by Events DC, the AT&T Nation's Football Classic? was created to celebrate the passion and tradition of the college football experience, recognize the history of service to others by the students, faculty and alumni of historically black colleges and universities, highlight the unity of African American culture, and honor the heritage and excellence of these proud institutions. Tickets for the AT&T Nation's Football Classic? are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, the Howard University Box Office at Cramton Auditorium and the Morehouse College Bookstore. Seats are priced at $15, $25, $40, $50 and $60.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.