COLUMBIA, SC — The Palmetto Capital City Classic Committee thanked its sponsors, heard from dignitaries and coaches, and crowned a queen on Wednesday during the Media & Sponsors Luncheon at the Brookland Baptist Convention and Banquet Center.

The annual event provided support and appreciation for local and national sponsors who contributed to the return of the Classic matchup between South Carolina State and Benedict after a nine-year hiatus. The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. Saturday kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium.

This year's Classic welcomed more than 30 sponsors. Bobby Gist, assistant chair of the committee, presided over the luncheon introducing the participating teams and their athletic directors and coaches to the media and the public.

During the luncheon, the city administrator of Columbia, Teresa Wilson, made remarks. Also speaking were Kelvin Washington, chair of Richland County Council; Thomas J. Elzey, S.C. State president; Dr. David H. Swinton, president of Benedict College; athletic directors Charlene M. Johnson of S.C. State and Willie Washington of Benedict, and coaches Buddy Pough of S.C. State and James Woody of Benedict. The Rev. Dr. Charles B. Jackson of New Laurel Street Baptist Church of Columbia gave the invocation and benediction.

Crystal N. Harris from S.C. State was crowned the 2013 Palmetto Capital City Classic queen. Harris is a native of Greensboro, N.C., and a junior biology/chemistry major.

The city of Columbia and Richland County are long-standing partners with the PCCC Committee and have supported the event for 11 years. This year's PCCC will feature events including a golf tournament, R&B and jazz show, pregame show, battle of the bands drum-line challenge featuring college and high school bands, and an alumni mixer/reception.

For more information visit, PalmettoCCC.com or call 803-252-9200.