COLUMBIA, SC — The Palmetto Capital City Classic Committee thanked its sponsors, heard from dignitaries and coaches, and crowned a queen on Tuesday 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 5 p.m. on Saturday kickoff at Charlie W. Johnson 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.

SC State athletic director Paul Bryant, senior associate athletic director Dr. Octavio Miro, and head coach Buddy Pough were among the speakers at the event. Remarks were also given by City of Columbia Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin, Benedict athletic director Willie Washington and head coach James Woody. The Rev. Dr. Charles B. Jackson, Sr. of Brookland Baptist Church of Columbia gave the invocation and benediction.

Bridget D. Thomas from SC State was crowned Miss PCCC 2014. Thomas is a native of Orangeburg, S.C., and a senior civil engineering major.

The city of Columbia and Richland County are long-standing partners with the PCCC Committee and have supported the event for 13 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, on the game and other events, visit www.PalmettoCCC.com or call 803-252-9200.