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Orange Blossom Classic Week Delivers an Unforgettable Celebration for South Florida
The 2026 Orange Blossom Classic has once again shown that it is much more than a football game. From youth activities and community programs to live entertainment, networking opportunities and HBCU traditions, the entire week has been an amazing celebration for Miami Gardens and the greater South Florida community.
The festivities brought together families, business leaders, alumni, students, entertainers and football fans for a week filled with culture, pride and opportunities to connect.
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of the week’s highlights was the Orange Blossom Classic Cheer Camp, which gave local children an opportunity to learn, perform and experience the excitement surrounding one of the country’s premier HBCU events.
Programs such as the cheer camp are an important part of the Classic’s impact. They introduce young people to HBCU culture while giving them positive experiences that can build confidence, teamwork and lasting memories.
The smiles, energy and enthusiasm from the children demonstrated why the Orange Blossom Classic continues to be meaningful to families throughout South Florida.
The Kickoff Luncheon at Jungle Island
The celebration continued with the Orange Blossom Classic Kickoff Luncheon at Jungle Island. The luncheon brought community leaders, sponsors, HBCU supporters, alumni and special guests together to officially welcome the Classic back to South Florida.
It was an opportunity to celebrate the history of the Orange Blossom Classic while recognizing the people and organizations helping it grow. The event also reinforced the Classic’s commitment to education, scholarships, community involvement and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Since returning in 2021, the Orange Blossom Classic has generated more than $100 million in economic impact for South Florida and more than $500,000 in scholarships, according to organizers.
Fan Fest Brings Miami Music and Culture to the Stadium
Before Sunday’s game, the Orange Blossom Classic Fan Fest transformed the South Side Fountain Plaza at Hard Rock Stadium into a major celebration of Miami music, HBCU culture and community.
Fans were treated to separate appearances and performances from South Florida legends Trina, Trick Daddy and JT Money. Their presence gave the Fan Fest an unmistakable Miami atmosphere and connected the city’s musical legacy with the traditions of the Orange Blossom Classic.
The entertainment was only one part of the experience. Vendors, local businesses, sponsors and community organizations filled the area with booths, food, merchandise and interactive activities. Many of these businesses and organizations participated throughout the week, helping turn the Classic into a citywide celebration rather than a one-day event.
The star power continued throughout Fan Fest and game day, where former NFL MVP Cam Newton was spotted filming his show and connecting with fans. Newton’s presence added another layer of excitement to the weekend and demonstrated the national attention the Orange Blossom Classic continues to attract across sports, entertainment and media.
The Fan Fest created a welcoming environment where fans from both schools could eat, shop, dance, take pictures and enjoy themselves before entering the stadium. The official event also included interactive activations and fan-engagement experiences and was free for game-ticket holders.
Florida A&M and South Carolina State Take Center Stage
Every event throughout the week led to Sunday’s highly anticipated matchup between the Florida A&M University Rattlers and the South Carolina State University Bulldogs at Hard Rock Stadium.
The game brought together two respected HBCU football programs and two passionate fan bases. However, the competition extended beyond the field. The halftime Battle of the Bands featured Florida A&M’s legendary Marching 100 and South Carolina State’s Marching 101, adding another powerful display of HBCU excellence and tradition to the afternoon.
For many attendees, the music, bands, fashion, reunions and fellowship are just as important as the final score. That complete cultural experience is what makes the Orange Blossom Classic special.
A Major Win for the City
The Orange Blossom Classic brings visitors to South Florida, supports local businesses and creates opportunities for vendors, restaurants, hotels, entertainers and community organizations. More importantly, it creates a space where HBCU history and Black culture can be celebrated on a major stage.
From the children participating in the cheer camp to the professionals connecting at the luncheon, the vendors working throughout the week and the thousands of fans arriving for Sunday’s game, every part of the experience contributed to something bigger.
The 2026 Orange Blossom Classic was an amazing week for the city. It celebrated the past, invested in the next generation and created new memories for everyone who participated.
The football matchup may have been the main event, but the entire week was the true Classic.
Orange Blossom Classic is Much More Than A Game
The week also highlighted the power of collaboration. Sponsors, event organizers, volunteers, vendors and local leaders worked together to create an experience that welcomed visitors while showcasing the best of South Florida. Their collective effort helped every activity feel connected to the larger mission of celebrating HBCU excellence and strengthening the community.
For alumni and longtime supporters, the Classic offered an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, represent their schools and pass cherished traditions to a new generation. For younger attendees, it provided a firsthand look at the pride, energy and sense of belonging that make the HBCU experience so special.
The success of this year’s celebration also showed the potential for the Orange Blossom Classic to continue expanding its impact. As more businesses, entertainers and community organizations become involved, the event can attract even more visitors, generate additional opportunities for local entrepreneurs and establish Labor Day weekend as one of South Florida’s premier cultural celebrations.
The Orange Blossom Classic Has Great Leadership
Much of the week’s success reflects the leadership and vision of Orange Blossom Classic Executive Director Kendra Bulluck-Major. Her commitment to preserving the Classic’s history while expanding its cultural, educational and economic impact has helped transform the event into a complete HBCU weekend experience. Through her leadership, the Orange Blossom Classic continues to unite generations, create opportunities for local businesses and showcase South Florida on a national stage.
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