The first annual AT&T Nation’s Football Classic fell short of economic expectations, The Washington Examiner has learned, but organizers say they are confident the event has a bright future.

The event at RFK Stadium featuring historically black colleges and universities drew 18,000 attendees and generated nearly $3.5 million in spending over the Sept. 10 weekend last year, according to Events DC. At least 1,100 hotel room nights were also sold.