By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Sports Desk (Source: HBCU Gameday)
The 2025 HBCU football season is stepping into the big league—literally. The rivalry game between Southern University and Bethune-Cookman University, initially slated for Daytona Stadium, has been relocated to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, home of the NFL’s Buccaneers. Set for a 4 p.m. EST kickoff on October 11, this showdown has been officially dubbed the Tampa Bay Classic
Coming hot on the heels of their 2023 matchup in Jacksonville, this marks the second time in three years the Jaguars and Wildcats will face off under NFL lights. The game isn’t just about football—it’s a cultural event, featuring halftime showcases, concerts, food festivals, and a brand-new marching band face-off known as Band VERZUZ Band, bringing together music fans and alumni alike.
The stadium switch signals HBCU football’s growing national appeal. As Wali Pitt of HBCU Gameday observes, moving classic matchups into NFL venues transforms regional rivalries into high-impact events that extend recruiting reach, amplify alumni engagement, and showcase traditions to broader audiences.
Why It Matters:
- Culture meets regulation: This game merges the pageantry of HBCU traditions with the prestige of NFL settings.
- Fan experience elevated: Larger venues promise amplified atmospheres and broader exposure.
- A growing trend: With other classics—like FAMU vs. Mississippi Valley State at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium—also moving indoors this fall, HBCU football is breaking new ground