Historic Rematch Set for Labor Day Weekend at Hard Rock Stadium
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The stage is set for a thrilling rematch this Labor Day Weekend as the Howard University football team is set to face Florida A&M (FAMU) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
“Playing in the Orange Blossom Classic is a great way to open the season,” said Howard football head coach Larry Scott. “Our team is excited about opening the season on national television and to be chosen for a game that will be watched all over the country. Howard and Florida A&M – it does not get any bigger than this in HBCU and FCS football. This is a huge game for both schools and the South Florida community and we’re glad to be part of it.”
The 2025 Orange Blossom Classic rekindles a storied rivalry between two legendary HBCU football programs. The last time these teams met, FAMU defeated Howard in the nail-biting 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl, 30-26.
“This year’s matchup is not only a rematch of their 2023 Celebration Bowl showdown, but it also takes us back to the very beginning,” said Kendra Bulluck-Major, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic. “The inaugural Orange Blossom Classic in 1933 featured these two historic programs—Florida A&M and Howard—facing off at the Black Only’s Ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida, in front of 2,000 fans. To see this rivalry come full circle, while celebrating the rich history and legacy of HBCUs, is truly special. We are excited to bring this experience to fans during Labor Day Weekend 2025.”
Fans can secure their spot at Hard Rock Stadium by joining the OBC email list at www.orangeblossomclassic.com to access an exclusive pre-sale code. Pre-sale tickets went live Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 5 p.m., and runs through Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. General ticket sales will begin via Ticketmaster Monday, February 3, 2025, at 10 a.m.
The 2025 Orange Blossom Classic promises an unforgettable week of activities, including the highly anticipated Battle of the Bands, the Fan Fest, and more, celebrating the vibrant culture and excellence of HBCUs.
“For the last several years, Howard University has seen a renaissance within our athletics programs, with our student-athletes winning championships in multiple sports,” said Howard Director of Athletics Kery Davis. “It is activities like the Orange Blossom Classic that not only help people see that Howard is not just an intellectual powerhouse but is an institution where our student-athletes can play on some of the biggest stages in the nation. We are honored to be in the Orange Blossom Classic and we look forward to this being a great weekend for everyone in the Howard family.”
ABOUT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC
Founded in 1933 by J.R.E. Lee Jr., the son of Florida A&M University’s president, the inaugural Orange Blossom Classic welcomed 2,000 fans to the “blacks-only” ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida, where FAMU defeated Howard 9-0 and successfully established the foundation of HBCU classics. After a 43-year hiatus, the OBC was re-established in 2021 with a mission to enhance the exposure of HBCUs. Now in its fifth year since the revival, the OBC attracts thousands of fans, alumni, school members, and families, celebrating the cultural and academic excellence of HBCUs while generating impactful scholarship opportunities and economic benefits.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com and/or the Orange Blossom Classic website at www.orangeblossomclassic.com.