COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – A successful Fountain City Classic is now in the books, marking a week of events leading up to the big game in Columbus. However, on the same weekend, another nearby university celebrating homecoming faced a tragic turn of events.

While the Fountain City Classic provided a fun and safe environment, many students and alumni attending Tuskegee’s homecoming Saturday will try to forget the unfortunate incidents that marred the HBCU’s festivities.

Robbie Branscomb, executive director of the Fountain City Classic, said new security measures have been implemented, including video surveillance and an increased law enforcement presence.

“On Saturday, of course, we had our ‘Blue and Gold Super Bowl,’ which is the Fountain City Classic,” Branscomb said.

The 34th annual rivalry game drew record attendance, with an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 fans in attendance. The enhanced security helped create a safe atmosphere for both fans and teams.

“You know, it’s always a great feeling to be able to put on such a large event like this and not have any problems,” Branscomb noted.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Tuskegee, Alabama, where the HBCU homecoming ended in a mass shooting.

One participant noted the lack of security on campus:

“I actually only saw one security and police patrol car on campus. People came and went as they pleased, openly carrying firearms. It’s a scary sight when you’re just trying to have fun,” said Tuskegee Ball attendee Anthony Smith.

In response to the shooting, Tuskegee University President Dr. Mark Brown announced significant changes, including making the campus a closed environment, hiring a new head of security, and requiring visitors to wear identification badges.

Back home, the Fountain City Classic concluded with nearly two dozen students receiving scholarships to college.

Branscomb explained that funds raised at the event will support educational opportunities for students.

“Last season, using last year’s proceeds, we were able to award 22 students with scholarships to universities including Fort Valley State and Albany State, as well as colleges and universities in the whole country,” Branscomb said.

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