Orange Blossom Classic
Sep 01, 2024
Mark your calendar for this Labor Day weekend: The Orange Blossom Classic, a premiere Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football event, is back. Played September 1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, the classic pits the North Carolina Central Eagles against the Alabama State University Hornets in a game you surely won't want to miss. And just like every HBCU classic, the off-the-field festivities – ranging from a parade to a career fair to the Battle of the Bands – rival the exciting on-field matchup. The 2024 event details are forthcoming.
Read on for details on last year's event.
During its heyday from 1933 to 1978, the Orange Blossom Classic was the leading HBCU postseason event. A four-decade absence concluded with the classic's return to Greater Miami & Miami Beach in 2021.
Following last year's 59-3 loss to JSU, the Rattlers will certainly be out for revenge against the Tigers, who have lost some talent since Hall of Fame coach Deion Sanders' exit. The Orange Blossom Classic, however, is more than just a game. It’s an opportunity to highlight the best and brightest aspects of HBCU culture in the majority Black city of Miami Gardens. Whether you attended FAMU, JSU or another HBCU, festivities like the Orange Blossom Classic create a family reunion-like atmosphere that compares only to homecoming.
Tickets range from $25-$95 plus fees and are available via Ticketmaster. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. and will also be broadcast on ESPN.
Check out these events associated with the Orange Blossom Classic.
GMCVB Commissioner's Welcome Reception and Luncheon Presented by FPL
September 1, 2023
Join the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) for a reception welcoming FAMU, JSU and HBCU supporters alike to sunny Miami. Hosted at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura, the event will feature great food, entertainment by a Grammy-nominated artist and a ceremony honoring the best and brightest HBCU alumnae.
Still in need of convincing? The event happens to be for a good cause: Ticket sales will fund scholarships for students at the participating schools. Tickets are $150 and are available now via Universe.com.
OBC Parade
September 2, 2023
What better way to start the weekend than at the historic OBC parade? A fan favorite during the OBC's heyday in the mid-20th century, the parade brings all OBC participants together – fans, bands, dancers, elected officials, you name it – for a celebration prior to game day.
The parade will travel the streets of Miami Gardens, beginning at Miami Carol City Senior High School and ending at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Complex. Make sure to take your place on the route bright and early: The parade begins at 9 a.m.
HBCU Reunion On the Yard Presented by Celsius
September 2, 2023
Want to relive your college days? The HBCU Reunion On the Yard is just for you.
Immediately following the OBC Parade, the Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Complex will host a block party of sorts, complete with live performances, music, food trucks, vendors and more. Be sure to come out repping your HBCU or Divine 9 organization.
Orange Blossom Classic Battle of the Bands
September 2, 2023
The Battle of the Bands is an HBCU staple. For many, it's an even better show than the game itself. Held at the University of Miami's Watsco Center, the event features the top high school bands from the tri-county area (Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach) battling it out for the title of Best Band in the Land. Then comes the main event: a star-studded matchup between the FAMU Marching 100 and the Jackson State Sonic Boom of the South marching bands.
The Marching 100's stellar performance at the 2023 Louis Vuitton Men's Spring/Summer Fashion Show in Paris brought HBCU band culture to the world. That's why this year's Battle of the Bands may be even more jam-packed than usual. You will definitely want to get to Coral Gables well before the 6 p.m. start time. Tickets are $24-$28 plus fees. Visit Ticketmaster for more information.
Orange Blossom Classic Fan Fest
September 3, 2023
In between tailgating and talking trash to anyone who's not wearing your team's colors, be sure to stop by the Fan Fest to grab some grub at the food trucks and enjoy a performance at the OBC Fan Fest Soundstage. Fan Fest starts at 11 a.m. and will be held on Hard Rock Stadium grounds. Entry is free. Just be sure to make it inside the stadium before the 3 p.m. kickoff!
Tips for Enjoying the Orange Blossom Classic
The Orange Blossom Classic is all about HBCU pride. Even if you didn’t go to either FAMU or JSU, it's still important to rep your HBCU. Regardless of what you decide to wear, just make sure to come fresh: HBCU football games often double as model runways.
Be sure to find a good tailgate prior to game day. They're a great way to catch up with friends, meet new friends and/or even borrow a friend's clothes if you’re fresh out of FAMU or JSU gear. Pack some rain gear, too.
Don't forget to stay after the final buzzer sounds to watch an encore battle between the Marching 100 and the Sonic Boom in the Fifth Quarter.
By C. Isaiah Smalls II