Orange Blossom Classic
Aug 30, 2025
The 51st edition of the Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) college football game will take over Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Labor Day Weekend, with traditional host Florida A&M University (FAMU) taking on the Howard University Bison. The matchup of two of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country will highlight a weekend of events, pageantry and HBCU pride.
A Historic Matchup Returns in 2025
After last year’s game was the first OBC that didn’t feature FAMU, the Rattlers will return this year and take on one of the preeminent HBCUs in the country. The teams last met in 2023, with the Rattlers narrowly defeating the Bison, 30-26, in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. FAMU recently signed an agreement with the Orange Blossom Classic, ensuring that the school plays in the annual game through 2030.
“The Orange Blossom Classic represents much more than football. It’s a celebration of community, culture and the incredible legacy of HBCUs,” said Oliver Gilbert III, Commissioner of Miami-Dade County’s District 1. “Bringing FAMU and Howard together again continues the tradition of excellence that this game has always embodied. Labor Day Weekend 2025 will be one to remember, and Miami Gardens is ready to welcome fans and alumni to this historic event.”
2025 Orange Blossom Classic Events
The football game is one of many events that make up the Orange Blossom Classic, with an entire week of activities from August 23-30. The week kicks off on Saturday, August 23 with the OBC Cheer and Dance Clinic, where teams of cheerleaders from across the nation hone their skills at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines starting at 9 a.m.
The next day, August 24, Commissioner Gilbert hosts a pickleball tournament at Rolling Oaks Park in Miami Gardens. Tuesday, August 26 brings a pair of career-building events at Florida Memorial University, starting with the Allstate Career Recruitment Fair at 10 a.m at the Smith Conference Center. At 5 p.m., the Invesco QQQ Careers in Sports and Entertainment Symposium begins at the Lou Rawls Center For Performing Arts.
High School teams take the field at Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29 as part of the OBC’ High School Football Showcase. Friday morning, guests can also attend the GMCVB Commissioners Welcome Reception and Kickoff Luncheon at Jungle Island in Downtown Miami at 11 a.m. The night concludes with the OBC Denim Party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Sport of Kings Room at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale.
Saturday’s pre-game festivities begin with the Tobacco Free Florida Fan Fest on the south lawn of Hard Rock Stadium at noon. After the game, fans can keep the fun going at the NoMi Village in North Miami from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the official OBC after party.
Tickets to the Orange Blossom Classic
Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster. Several premium seating options are also available, including suites and club level seats.
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.
The Classic moved to Miami in 1947, where it was played until it was discontinued in 1978. The game was dubbed the unofficial “Black National Championship” game, with the winner going on to claim the HBCU national championship several times.
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, the North Carolina Central University Eagles defeated the Alabama State University Hornets, 31-24.
Getting to Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium is located just off Florida’s Turnpike and has ample parking. Parking passes are available at Ticketmaster. Limited day-of-game parking will 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. Use promo code ORANGE to get 15% off your Brightline fare. 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 42 on NW 27th Avenue, just south of Walmart, to be picked up.
By: Matthew Meltzer | May 28, 2025