Orange Blossom Classic
Sep 4, 2022
Starting: 3:00 PM
Don’t make any backyard barbeque plans this Labor Day weekend: The Orange Blossom Classic, Miami’s premier Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football event, is back. Held September 4, 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, the Classic pits the Florida A&M University Rattlers against the Deion Sanders-coached Jackson State University Tigers in a game you surely won’t want to miss. And just like every HBCU game, the off-the-field festivities – ranging from a parade to a career fair to the Battle of the Bands – rival the on-field matchup.
The Orange Blossom Classic was traditionally the leading HBCU post-season event during its heyday from 1933 to 1978. A four-decade absence ended when the Classic returned to Miami in 2021. Following last year’s 7-6 loss to JSU, the Rattlers will certainly be out for revenge against the Tigers, which have the No. 1 recruit of the 2022 class in Travis Hunter. 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 such as the Orange Blossom Classic create a family reunion-like atmosphere rivaled only by homecoming.
Tickets range from $55-$90 plus fees and are available via Ticketmaster. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. and will also be broadcast on ESPN2.
EVENTS RELATED TO THE ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC
Orange Blossom Classic Battle of the Bands, September 3, 2022
The Battle of the Bands is an HBCU staple. For many, it’s an even better show than the actual game itself. Held at the Watsco Center on the University of Miami campus in Coral Gables, the event features the top high-school bands from the tri-county area 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.
With the Marching 100 coming off a stellar performance at the Louis Vuitton Men's Spring/Summer Fashion Show in Paris, the Battle of the Bands might be even more jam-packed than usual. You definitely want to get to Coral Gables way before its 6 p.m. start. Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets run between $24-$28 plus fees. Visit Ticketmaster for more information.
Orange Blossom Classic Fan Fest, September 4, 2022
In-between tailgating and talking trash to anyone not wearing your team’s colors, be sure to stop at the Fan Fest to grab some grub at the food trucks and enjoy a performance at the OBC Fan Fest Soundstage. Fan Fest will be held on Hard Rock Stadium grounds and entry is free.
Tips for Enjoying the Orange Blossom Classic
The Orange Blossom Classic is all about HBCU pride. Even if you didn’t go to 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 fashion runways.
Be sure to find a good tailgate party before the game. Tailgates are 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. Remember to stay after the game ends to watch an encore battle between the Marching 100 and the Sonic Boom in the “Fifth Quarter.”
July 25, 2022