The Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) is more than a football game. It is a celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, a gathering of community, culture and tradition, and a powerful platform for creating educational opportunities for the next generation.
Revived in 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, the Orange Blossom Classic continues a historic tradition while building a modern-day mission centered on HBCU awareness, economic impact and scholarships. Under the leadership of Executive Director Kendra N. Bulluck-Major, the Classic has become a major South Florida event designed to attract visitors, support local businesses and demonstrate the value and reach of HBCUs.
Bulluck-Major, a successful entrepreneur and business professional, obtained the rights to the Orange Blossom Classic in 2018 with a vision of restoring its prominence while connecting its legacy to today's youth. Her leadership reflects a commitment to entrepreneurship, education and community empowerment.
Perhaps the most important part of the OBC mission is what happens beyond the stadium. Since its return in 2021, the Classic has generated more than $500,000 in scholarships, helping students pursue higher education and creating opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives.
For AMPS Magazine, that mission represents what makes HBCU events so important. The Orange Blossom Classic celebrates where we have come from while investing in where we are going.
The 2026 celebration promises an entire weekend of HBCU culture. From the 6th Annual Denim Party and HBCU All White Affair to game-day festivities, the Battle of the Bands, the Yard in-stadium party, the official afterparty and brunch, Miami Gardens becomes a destination for HBCU fans from across the country.
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, Hard Rock Stadium will come alive with Fan Fest, football, marching bands and entertainment, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
The Orange Blossom Classic proves that HBCU football can do more than entertain. It can generate economic opportunity, celebrate culture and—most importantly—open doors for the next generation.