Orange Blossom Classic

The college football season will get off to a thrilling start in Miami Gardens when the 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic kicks things off at Hard Rock Stadium. The game will take place over Labor Day weekend on Saturday, August 30, matching two of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country as the Florida A&M University Rattlers take on the Howard University Bison. The game is the highlight of a full weekend of events, pageantry and HBCU pride.

Read on for details on last year's Orange Blossom Classic

Tickets to the 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic

Tickets are currently on sale for the 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic, available via Ticketmaster. A number of premium seating options are available, including suites, Club Level seats and Hard Rock Stadium’s ultra-premium 72 Club.

What is the Orange Blossom Classic?

The first Orange Blossom Classic was played in 1933, when the son of Florida A&M University (FAMU) 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, with FAMU winning last year’s game, 28-10.

Who’s playing in the 2024 Orange Blossom Classic?

The 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic will feature two of the top HBCU football programs in the nation as Alabama State University takes on North Carolina Central University. It’s the first time in the Classic’s history that FAMU has not been involved, ushering in a new era as Miami welcomes fans and alumni from both teams.

North Carolina State is only two seasons removed from its remarkable 2022 HBCU National Championship. The team placed second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 2023 before making a deep run in the FCS playoffs. Alabama State was last year’s Southwestern Athletic Conference runner-up and is primed for an even better season in 2024.

“This year, we present the talents of North Carolina Central University Eagles and Alabama State University Hornets, offering an exciting experience,” Orange Blossom Classic Executive Director Kendra Bullock said. “We welcome both teams with open arms and are excited about the unique energy and competition they will bring to the classic."

Getting to Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium is located just off Florida’s Turnpike, with several lots surrounding the grounds. Parking passes are available via Ticketmaster. Limited day-of-game parking is also available, but buying ahead of time is advised.

If you’d rather not drive, you can ride the Brightline train to the game, stopping at the Aventura station and catching a 10-minute rideshare to the stadium. Fans can also take Tri-Rail to the Golden Glades station, which is about a 10-15 minute rideshare from Hard Rock 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 | June 7, 2024