Southern University

Football 8/22/2025 2:00:00 PM Rodney Kirschner Deputy Athletics Director | Director of Strategic Communications | Sports Information Director

Jaguars Set to Face Wildcats in Tampa Bay Football Classic

TAMPA – Tampa Bay Football Classic LLC and the Moses White Foundation announced today that tickets will be available on Tuesday, September 2, for the 2025 Tampa Bay Football Classic taking place Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium.

A historic college football rivalry between the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats and the Southern University Jaguars. The Tampa Bay Football Classic is a neutral-site showdown between HBCU rivals and will kick off at 4 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Tickets for the 2025 Tampa Bay Football Classic can be purchased at tampabayfootballclassic.com and ticketmaster.com. Every ticket purchased includes pre- and post-game events, and entrance into Raymond James Stadium for the football game, halftime show, and VIP day parties. Fans can register online for a chance to win free tickets to the football game and receive additional information on the Tampa Bay Football Classic events at https://tampabayfootballclassic.com.

The pageantry of the Tampa Bay Football Classic stretches beyond the field, including captivating halftime performances by the Bethune-Cookman University Marching Wildcats and, tentatively, the Southern University Human Jukebox.

"The enthusiasm and energy that the Tampa Bay Football Classic will create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, celebrated throughout the Tampa Bay Area," said Michael E. David, Tampa native, former and stellar member of the Florida A&M University Marching 100, SUPER-PRODUCER, founder of the Tampa Bay Football Classic, and the Original Battle of The Bands (now celebrating 30 years) that delivered the world the Twentieth Century Fox smash hit movie "DRUMLINE". "We are equally thrilled to introduce our new marching band sport special event property in Band VERZUZ Band. Band VERZUZ Band is the sweet musical science in the precision of the sport of marching band." Just like the Original Battle of The Bands, and the movie DRUMLINE, Band VERZUZ Band will dominate the world of instrumental music and will be celebrated by millions of instrumental music enthusiasts all around the world.

Taking inspiration from the globally recognized Verzuz series created by legendary producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, Band VERZUZ Band reimagines the concept in the world of HBCU marching bands. Instead of artists trading hit records, elite marching bands go toe for toe, blow for blow, in a thrilling musical showdown.

This groundbreaking competition will be streamed worldwide, showcasing eight rounds of "SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT" marching band action. Fans will experience the precision, power, and pageantry of two of the nation's most celebrated bands as they meet face-to-face, note-for-note, in an electrifying display of culture and showmanship.

"The Tampa Bay Football Classic will be one of the Tampa Bay Area's most highly-anticipated events, providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the traditions and excitement surrounding the football game," said Andre "Lucky" White, Tampa native, and Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Football Classic. "This event brings our communities together to celebrate and share in the culture, sportsmanship, and richness of the Tampa Bay Area and its rich HBCU culture."

The Tampa Bay Football Classic is predicted to have an economic impact of between $10 million and
$30 million on the Tampa Bay Area economy, particularly Tampa.

ABOUT THE TAMPA BAY FOOTBALL CLASSIC
The Tampa Bay Football Classic is a neutral-site HBCU college football game celebrating the history, culture, and traditions of historically Black colleges and universities. Held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the Classic features electrifying football, iconic halftime shows, live concerts, cultural showcases, food festivals, and educational programs—making it one of the premier HBCU celebrations in the nation.

ABOUT THE MOSES WHITE FOUNDATION
The Moses White Foundation strives to improve the quality of life for the underprivileged in Tampa through education, community revitalization, and individual empowerment.

Print Friendly Version