The Orange Blossom Classic and Florida International University Partner for One Big Community Weekend in South Florida
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on July 31, 2025 The 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) is teaming up with FIU Athletics to deliver an unforgettable kickoff to college football season, bringing together fans, alumni, and HBCU culture for One Big Community Weekend: Two Games. One Weekend. All Vibes. This Labor Day Weekend celebration begins on Friday, August 29, as FIU hosts Bethune-Cookman University at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday, August 30, the weekend culminates with the 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic, featuring the Howard University Bison vs. the Florida A&M University Rattlers at 4 p.m. inside Hard Rock Stadium. As part of this community-centered partnership, OBC and FIU have collaborated to offer fans of all four institutions an exciting lineup of benefits and activations designed to enhance the full weekend experience: • Special Ticket Access: As part of the One Big Community partnership, fans can purchase discounted tickets for both games. To purchase reduced-priced FIU vs. B-CU game tickets, click here, and for OBC tickets, click here and use the promo code FIUOBC25 to unlock the cost savings. • FIU F1RST NIGHT Activation: OBC will be present at FIU’s annual F1RST NIGHT celebration on August 25, offering students internship and volunteer opportunities tied to OBC week. • OBC Tailgate Pep Rally at FIU: Students can join the pre-game hype with an OBC-branded pep rally at FIU’s Tamiami Hall Promenade, featuring a DJ and appearances from drumlines representing FIU, FAMU, B-CU, and Howard. • Alumni & Dignitary Engagement: OBC will host alumni and distinguished guests at the GMCVB Commissioner’s Welcome Reception & Kickoff Luncheon presented by FPL, with keynote speaker actress Wendy Raquel Robinson, on August 29 at Jungle Island. • Collaborative Mascot Appearances: Expect fun crossovers featuring FIU’s beloved mascot Roary and OBC’s own Olley throughout the weekend. In addition to the game day experiences, FIU students and community members will be invited to participate in OBC week events, including the Allstate Career Recruitment Fair and the Invesco QQQ Careers in Sports & Entertainment Symposium. Plus, the Tobacco Free Florida Fan Fest on game day—featuring food trucks, vendors, and a live performance by Ball Greezy—is free to attend with an OBC game ticket. The energy of One Big Community Weekend is matched by its significance: Three head coaches with deep Florida roots will lead their programs across two major games—creating one powerful weekend of unity and celebration. FIU’s new head coach, Willie Simmons, returns to South Florida after an impactful tenure at FAMU, where he secured two HBCU National Championships. He now joins Coach James Colzie III (FAMU) and Coach Larry Scott (Howard)—both Florida natives—for a moment that celebrates football, community, and culture. Originally launched in 1933, the Orange Blossom Classic made history as the inaugural matchup between FAMU and Howard. After a 43-year hiatus, the OBC returned in 2021 under the leadership of FIU alumna and OBC Executive Director Kendra Bulluck-Major, and continues to grow as a national platform for HBCU excellence. Join us for One Big Community Weekend in Miami. Three Head Coaches. Two Big Games. One Big Weekend. Tickets and hotel information for the 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic are available now at orangeblossomclassic.com. ### ABOUT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC Founded in 1933 by J.R.E. Lee Jr., son of Florida A&M University’s president, the inaugural Orange Blossom Classic welcomed 2,000 fans to a “blacks-only” ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida, where FAMU defeated Howard 9-0, establishing the foundation of HBCU classics. After a 43-year hiatus, the Classic was re-established in 2021 with a mission to increase exposure and access for HBCUs. Now in its fifth year, the OBC draws thousands of fans, students, alumni, and families to South Florida, celebrating community, culture, and HBCU pride. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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