These rivalries run deep—and so does the culture. Whether the players are stepping on a grassy field or a wax-floor court, HBCU sports events are spaces where sports, spirit and community mix into one big celebration that’s too good to miss. There’s no better way to get into the groove of the fall sports season than cheering on some of the most talented college athletes the country has to offer while on their home turf.
Spectators and alumni fill the stands to see budding stars in football as they go head-to-head on the field and settle the annual score with some friendly (and fierce) classic competition. Black college athletes come to their games ready to leave it all on the floor. And, of course, Black heritage is on full display at every event.
So whether you’re heading out to see the fierce marching bands perform for the crowds, pulling up to the tailgates or waiting to see which school will be crowned champion, here’s a round-up of the most anticipated HBCU sports events.
HBCU Football Classics
McDonald’s Magic City Classic: 10/26/24
Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State
Historic Legion Field, Birmingham, AL
Players make magic on the field in this thrilling clash between Alabama State’s Hornets and Alabama A&M University’s Bulldogs. This year on the field marks the 83rd classic between the Alabama rivals, during one of the largest HBCU football games in the nation. Fans won’t want to miss the halftime battle of the bands either, with ASU’s Mighty Marching Hornets and Alabama A&M’s Marching Maroon and White set to put on an unforgettable show. Tickets can be booked on their official website.
Port City Classic: 11/2/24
Alabama State vs. Alcorn State
Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, AL
Relatively new in the well-established world of Black college football, the Port City Classic is looking to make their second game bigger than their first for football fans and players. As the Alabama State Hornets and the Alcorn Braves face off on the field, the “party with a purpose” will celebrate Black heritage and entertainment all rolled into one. Purchase tickets on the Port City Classic website.
AME Football Classic: 11/9/24
Allen University vs. Edward Waters College
Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
These two teams have nearly two decades of history on the field together, and they’re both fighting to take it to the endzone. Dating back to their first matchup in 2005, the Edward Waters Tigers are ready to take on the Allen University Yellow Jackets and regain their four-time winning streak. Ticket information can be found on the Edward Waters College website.
Fountain City Classic: 11/9/24
Albany State vs. Fort Valley State
A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, Columbus, GA
Starting in 1945, the Albany State Golden Rams and the Fort Valley State Wildcats faced off as rivals long before the Fountain City Classic was officially established in 1990. The teams are set to meet again at the 34th annual FCC, with the weeklong celebration looking to bring in over 40,000 attendees. More information on tickets can be found on the Fountain City Classic website.
Commemorative Classic: 11/9/24
Johnson C. Smith University vs. Livingstone College
Alumni Memorial Stadium, Salisbury, NC
Dating back to 1892, the Commemorative Classic is held in high regard as the first-ever historically Black college football game. The high-stakes game is celebrating 131 years of HBCU football prowess, with a bit of friendly competition between the JCSU Golden Bulls and the Livingstone Blue Bears. Ticket information can be found on the Livingstone College ticket website.
Soul Bowl – Capital City Classic: 11/23/24
Jackson State at Alcorn State
Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium, Lorman, MS
Whether you call the game the Capital City Classic or the Soul Bowl, this game has a lot of history behind it. With its first kickoff being held in 1927, the Jackson State Tigers and the Alcorn State Braves will face off in their 89th meeting at the highly anticipated event. More information on tickets can be found on Ticketmaster.
Florida Blue Florida Classic: 11/23/24
Bethune-Cookman College vs. Florida A&M
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
Dubbed the Florida Classic in 1978, the game is arguably one of the largest classics of the year, with over 2 million spectators attending since its inception. Besides the main game where fans will cheer on the Florida A&M Rattlers or the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, the traditional battle of the bands will energize spectators with dazzling drum and dance lines. Get more information on tickets on the Florida Classic website.
Turkey Day Classic: 11/28/24
Tuskegee University at Alabama State
ASU Stadium, Montgomery, AL
What’s better than Thanksgiving dinner and throwing the old pigskin around? Marking its 100th anniversary, spectators and alumni from all around the country will gather as the Alabama State Hornets go toe-to-toe with the Tuskegee Golden Tigers. Visitors should be sure to catch the traditional TDC Parade, one of the biggest celebrations that Montgomery has to offer each year. More information on tickets is available on the Alabama State website.
Bayou Classic: 11/30/24
Grambling State vs. Southern University
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
While the first kickoff under the name Bayou Classic took place in 1974, this event is packed with so much more fun. Grambling’s Tiger Marching Band and Southern University’s Human Jukebox will enthrall spectators with their dazzling choreography right before the game. Fans don’t have to fuss about not catching this game in person—the Bayou classic is the only NCAA Football Championship Subdivision game to be broadcast regularly on TV. Fans can find ticket information here.
Pepsi SWAC Championship: 12/7/24
SWAC East Champion vs. SWAC West Champion
Southwestern Athletic Conference football champions on both sides of the nation come together after dominating their own divisions and battle for the ultimate title of SWAC champion. Ticket and game information can be found on the official SWAC site.
Cricket Celebration Bowl: 12/14/24
MEAC Champion vs. SWAC Champion
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
The Celebration Bowl is where the best talents in Southwestern Black colleges and Mid-Eastern Black colleges clash in one thrilling game. The game will be held in Atlanta for the ninth time in its history, and fans are sure to get a kick out of its second annual Band of the Year National Championship one day before the game’s kickoff. Ticket information can be found here.
Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships
SWAC Men’s / Women’s Cross Country Championships: 10/21/24
Apalachee Regional Park, Tallahassee, FL
The Florida A&M women’s cross country team is looking to secure another championship title this year after building off the success of their first-ever win in 2023. More information on the championship can be found here.
SWAC Women’s Soccer Tournament: 11/7/24
Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
For over a decade, HBCU soccer teams have fiercely competed for the title of SWAC soccer champion. While Grambling State managed to grab the title of conference champion in 2023, all eight competing universities will be fighting hard this year to earn the NCAA Division I women’s soccer championship bid. More information on the tournament can be found here.
SWAC Women’s Volleyball Tournament: 11/22/24
Grambling State University, Grambling, LA
Volleyball teams at HBCUs have worked hard all season to “bump” up their chances of being volleyball tournament champions. The Jackson State Tigers took home the ultimate prize in 2023, and this year’s top seed, Florida A&M, is looking to secure a spot as victors on the volleyball court. More information on the tournament can be found here.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championships
MEAC Men’s / Women’s Cross Country Championships: 11/2/24
DSU Outreach and Research Center, Smyrna, DE
Some of the country’s best college athletes have been training and competing to take first place in the MEAC’s championship race. Over eight HBCUs, including returning champions Norfolk State, are set to compete at this year’s men’s 8-k run and women’s 5-k run. More information on the upcoming race can be found here.
MEAC Volleyball Championships: 11/24/24
Memorial Hall, Delaware State University, Dover, DE
The Coppin State Eagles will no doubt be looking to recapture their magic from their stellar performance as the title holders of the 2023 championship game. More information on the championship can be found on the MEAC site.
