# Mazda of North Miami --- url: https://miamigardens.com/listing/mazda-of-north-miami-2/ author: David published: 2025-10-21 modified: 2025-10-24 type: listing --- Orange Blossom Classic 2026: FAMU vs SC State at Hard Rock Sept 6 ** # The Orange Blossom Classic Returns to Miami Gardens: HBCU Football, Culture, and Pride on Labor Day Weekend By MiamiGardens.com Editorial** · August 5, 2026 · 6 min read * The Orange Blossom Classic returns to Hard Rock Stadium on September 6. More than a football game, it's a celebration of HBCU culture, music, and community that calls Miami Gardens home. The World Cup may have just left town, but **Miami Gardens** is about to host another signature event, and this one is woven into the very identity of our city. On **Sunday, September 6, 2026**, the **Orange Blossom Classic** returns to **Hard Rock Stadium**, bringing HBCU football, legendary marching bands, and a full weekend of culture and pride to Miami Gardens for Labor Day weekend. Here's everything you need to know about a tradition that's far bigger than a football game. ## The matchup This year's Classic features a marquee matchup: the **Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers** against the **South Carolina State University (SCSU) Bulldogs**. There's real weight behind it. South Carolina State comes in as the **defending Celebration Bowl champion**, having won the HBCU national championship under Head Coach Chennis Berry. It's also SCSU's first Orange Blossom Classic appearance since 1973, when they fell to FAMU. The history and the stakes make this one of the most anticipated openers in HBCU football. DetailInfo MatchupFlorida A&M vs. South Carolina State DateSunday, September 6, 2026 (Labor Day weekend) Kickoff3:00 PM ET VenueHard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens TVESPN EditionThe Classic's return continues a tradition dating to 1933 ## A tradition nearly a century old The Orange Blossom Classic isn't new. Its roots run deep. The inaugural Classic was played in 1933, when FAMU beat Howard 9-0 in Jacksonville, establishing the foundation of what would become the HBCU classic tradition. From 1933 to 1978, it reigned as the postseason's premier HBCU event. After a 43-year hiatus, the Orange Blossom Classic made its triumphant return to Miami Gardens in 2021, and it has been building ever since. Since its return, the Classic has done more than entertain. It has raised over $500,000 in scholarship funds for participating schools, supporting the education of HBCU students and reinforcing the event's deeper mission: elevating the visibility and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. A tradition born in 1933, revived in Miami Gardens, and now raising scholarships and pride in equal measure. This is what a signature event looks like. ## More than a game: the full experience Ask anyone who's been: the Orange Blossom Classic is a full cultural celebration, and for many fans, the football is only part of the draw. The weekend delivers: **The battle of the bands.** Halftime at the Orange Blossom Classic is almost as anticipated as the game itself. FAMU's legendary Marching 100 and South Carolina State's Marching 101 take the field to showcase their music and precision. Few fans leave their seats during halftime. **The Fan Fest.** The Hard Rock Stadium south lawn becomes tailgate central, with a pregame party featuring live music, food, and interactive experiences for fans and alumni revving up for kickoff. **A full weekend of events.** Beyond game day, the Classic brings cheer clinics, musical performances, and community activities that turn Labor Day weekend into a celebration of HBCU culture, pride, and tradition. ## What it means for Miami Gardens This event fits Miami Gardens perfectly, and that's no accident. As the largest city in Florida with a majority Black population, Miami Gardens is a fitting home for the premier celebration of HBCU football and culture. When the Orange Blossom Classic returned in 2021, it was specifically to enhance HBCU visibility within our community. The Classic is also a genuine economic driver. It draws thousands of fans, alumni, and families to the city, filling restaurants, hotels, and local businesses over a holiday weekend. Coming just weeks after the World Cup spotlight, it's another reminder that Miami Gardens is a destination for major cultural and sporting events, and that our city's identity and its economic future are deeply connected. ## How to go Tickets for the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic are on sale now through Ticketmaster, with premium suites and group packages available for larger parties. A few tips for a smooth experience: **Buy parking in advance.** Organizers encourage fans to purchase parking along with their game tickets to streamline arrival. Hard Rock Stadium posts driving directions and parking maps on its website. **Know the bag policy.** Hard Rock Stadium's clear bag policy is in effect for all events, so check the guidelines before you go to avoid delays at the gate. **Arrive early.** Between the Fan Fest, the bands, and the crowds, getting there early lets you soak in the full experience rather than rushing to your seat. **Plan your Labor Day weekend:** The Orange Blossom Classic is Sunday, September 6 at 3:00 PM at Hard Rock Stadium, airing on ESPN. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster. For official event details, parking, and updates, check the Orange Blossom Classic and Hard Rock Stadium websites. And make a weekend of it in Miami Gardens: explore our [local restaurants](/caribbean-restaurants-miami-gardens/) before or after the game. ## Frequently asked questions ### When is the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic? The 2026 Orange Blossom Classic is Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. It features Florida A&M against South Carolina State and airs on ESPN. It is held annually over Labor Day weekend. ### Who is playing in the Orange Blossom Classic 2026? The 2026 Orange Blossom Classic features the Florida A&M University Rattlers against the South Carolina State University Bulldogs. South Carolina State enters as the defending Celebration Bowl champion under Head Coach Chennis Berry, making their first Orange Blossom Classic appearance since 1973. ### What is the Orange Blossom Classic? The Orange Blossom Classic is a historic HBCU college football game and cultural celebration first played in 1933. After running through 1978, it returned to Miami Gardens in 2021. It features a marquee HBCU matchup, legendary marching bands, a Fan Fest, and community events, and has raised over $500,000 in scholarship funds since its return. Event details via the Orange Blossom Classic, Hard Rock Stadium, and the City of Miami Gardens. Dates and details are subject to change; confirm with official sources before attending. Published: August 5, 2026.* --- *Source: [Miami Gardens](https://miamigardens.com/)*