Orange Blossom Classic

This Labor Day weekend, Greater Miami and Miami Beach will play host to one of the oldest and grandest traditions in Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football: The Orange Blossom Classic. The game’s 52nd edition will pit the Florida A&M Rattlers against the defending HBCU national champion, the South Carolina State Bulldogs. The showdown takes place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sunday, September 6. The game is the culmination of everything great about HBCUs, from cheer clinics and musical performances to the much-anticipated halftime show.

The 2026 Orange Blossom Classic Matchup

This year’s Orange Blossom Classic offers an intriguing matchup of two of HBCU football’s most iconic programs in FAMU and South Carolina State. The Bulldogs are making their first OBC appearance since 1973, a 23-12 loss to FAMU. SCSU is coming off of a thrilling Celebration Bowl victory over Prairie View A&M, where they overcame a 21-point deficit to win the HBCU national championship.

FAMU returns from a disappointing 2025 campaign, which began with a heartbreaking 10-9 loss to Howard in the Orange Blossom Classic, and ended with a record of 5-7. This year’s OBC marks the debut for new Rattlers head coach Quinn Gray Jr., who comes to FAMU from Albany State University. Quinn brings with him transfer quarterback Isaiah Knowles, who was the 2025 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

Interestingly, Quinn and SCSU head coach were opposing co-coaches during February’s HBCU Legacy bowl, an all-star game of HBCU players ahead of the NFL draft. Before that, they last met during the 2023 SIAC championship game.

2026 Orange Blossom Classic Events

The Orange Blossom Classic is far more than just a football game. The OBC is an entire weekend of events celebrating HBCUs, spread throughout Greater Miami and Miami Beach. Festivities begin on Tuesday, September 1 with a career fair at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex in Miami Gardens. Dozens of local employers and jobseekers will be on hand, recruiting top talent among HBCU alumni.

On game day, September 6, the OBC hosts its annual cheer and dance clinic in the morning. Dance teams and cheer squads will get a chance to perform on the big stage at Hard Rock Stadium, with rates of $40 per person or $35 per person for groups of 20 or more. Registration closes July 31.

The Hard Rock Stadium south lawn is tailgate central for the OBC, where the annual Florida Health/Tobacco Free Florida Fan Fest presented by Baptist Health takes place. The pregame party will include live music, food, interactive brand experiences and hundreds of fans and alumni revving up for the big game.

Halftime during the Orange Blossom Classic is almost as anticipated as the football game itself, when the schools’ legendary bands take the field. South Carolina State’s Marching 101 and FAMU’s Marching 100 will each have a chance to showcase their music and dance skills, and few in the crowd will be getting up from their seats.

Tickets to the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic

Tickets to the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic are currently available. Those who want to sit near the bands can purchase tickets in Section 114 for South Carolina State, and Section 150 for FAMU. Guests who want an elevated experience for the game can purchase suite and club level packages as well.

The Orange Blossom Classic’s Rich History

The first Orange Blossom Classic was played in 1933, when the son of Florida A&M University president J.R.E. Lee Jr. organized a game at Jacksonville’s Black-only ballpark. The event drew 2,000 fans to see the FAMU Rattlers beat Howard University, 9-0. The game continued as an annual invitational, with the Rattlers taking on different HBCUs in various cities around Florida.

After a 43-year absence, the Orange Blossom Classic returned in 2021 when FAMU took on Jackson State University and “Coach Prime” Deion Sanders in front of over 35,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium. The Rattlers and Tigers squared off again in 2022 and 2023, and last year, Howard University defeated FAMU 10-9 in a rematch of the original Classic. As the traditional host team of the OBC, Florida A&M recently signed an agreement to play in the game through 2030.

Getting to Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium is located just off Florida’s Turnpike and has ample parking. Parking passes cost $30 and are available as an add-on during ticket purchase. Fans may purchase up to one parking pass per order. To secure parking, purchase your tickets through Ticketmaster and select parking at checkout. Limited day-of-game parking may be available, but buying parking ahead of time is advised.

If you’d rather not drive, you can ride the high-speed Brightline train to the game. Coming from Downtown Miami or points north, including Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando, get off at the Aventura station and take Uber or Lyft to the stadium. Fans can also take Tri-Rail to the Golden Glades station, about a 10-15 minute rideshare from the stadium.

Rideshares can drop you off near the stadium gates. After the game, you’ll have to walk to Lot 44 at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex.

By: Matthew Meltzer | May 27, 2026