The 31st Southern Heritage Classic (SHC) has been canceled — a casualty of COVID-19.

“I know this is a great disappointment to many who consider the SHC one of the major highlights of the year,” said Fred Jones Jr., founder of the Southern Heritage Classic.

The decision to cancel all events followed SHC’s management review of Shelby County Health Department’s Health Directive No. 6 detailing emergency management relief efforts put in place to address COVID-19, specifically those regarding recreational or athletic activities.

On average, over 75,000 people attend the SHC annually and individual events such as the tailgate in Tiger Lane, the football game between Jackson State University and Tennessee State University and the parade in Orange Mound.

In a release about the cancellation, SHC management expressed gratitude to Jackson State University, Tennessee State University, the fans, sponsors and the SHC ambassadors for their longstanding support of The Classic.