Miami Gardens, FL (August 15, 2024) – The 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) will ignite a
week-long celebration of community, culture, and HBCU pride. Starting Sunday, August 25th, and
culminating with the highly anticipated “Battle of the Number Ones” football game on Sunday, September
1st, this year’s showdown between the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles and the Alabama
State University (ASU) Hornets at Hard Rock Stadium is more than just the start of the football season—it’s
shaping up to be a preview of the Celebration Bowl. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN at 3:00 p.m.
EST.
A Legacy of Excellence and Influence
The OBC has solidified its place as a premier event celebrating the excellence of Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), attracting a diverse array of influential figures who champion its
mission. The 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic is proud to announce that Stephen A. Smith, the
esteemed sports commentator and television personality, will be honored at the GMCVB Commissioner’s
Welcome Reception & Luncheon presented by FPL. Smith, a passionate advocate for HBCUs and a
celebrated figure in the sports community, joins the lineup of distinguished guests at this prestigious event.
The luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Attorney Ben Crump and a special performance by Grammy
Award-winning artist Raheem DeVaughn, promises to be a highlight of the OBC weekend.
Adding to the excitement, LisaRaye McCoy, Tyler Lepley, and DJ Diamond Kuts will join this year’s reunion
experience weekend alongside notable DJs DJ Tight and DJ Nasty. These influential figures make the OBC
weekend one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.
In recent years, the OBC has been graced by the presence of:
● Rashad Ali – Media personality, actor, and author
● Congresswoman Frederica Wilson – A staunch advocate for education and civil rights
● Grammy Award-winning singer Ledisi
● Multi-platinum artist Lloyd
● Hip-hop legends Trina and Uncle Luke
● Actress and producer Wendy Raquel Robinson
● Yandy Smith – Reality TV star, entrepreneur, and activist
● Actress LeToya Luckett
● Dr. Heavenly Kimes – Renowned dentist and reality TV star
● Tiffany Greene – Trailblazing sports broadcaster
● Will Packer – Acclaimed filmmaker and producer
● Dianna Williams – Founder of the Dancing Dolls and past OBC honoree
● DJs Bo Weezy and Loosekid
Join the Celebration: Empowering Community and Driving Impact
The 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic is more than just a football game; it’s a dynamic platform that
drives economic growth, empowers local communities, and generates scholarships for HBCU students. By
supporting small and minority-owned businesses and showcasing the rich legacy and future promise of
HBCUs, the OBC fosters a powerful sense of unity and pride. This year’s event promises an unforgettable
reunion experience, bringing together alums, students, families, and fans from across the country as
top-ranked teams NCCU and ASU face off in a historic matchup that kicks off the road to Atlanta right here
in the 305.
Official Events:
Sunday, August 25:
● Commissioner Oliver Gilbert Pickleball Tournament Presented by Baptist Health at Hard Rock
Stadium – South Side Fountain Plaza, 8 AM
Tuesday, August 27:
● Allstate Career Recruitment Fair at Albert E. and Sadie B. Smith Conference Center, Florida
Memorial University
● Career in Sports and Entertainment Symposium presented by Coors Light at Lou Rawls
Center for Performing Arts, Florida Memorial University
Thursday, August 29:
● Orange Blossom Classic VIP Mixer
Friday, August 30:
● Coaches Pregame OBC Press Conference at 10 a.m., Hard Rock Stadium
● GMCVB Commissioner’s Welcome Reception & Luncheon presented by FPL featuring Ben
Crump, Raheem DeVaughn, and Stephen A. Smith, at Jungle Island, Miami, FL at 11 AM
● OBC Step Show, The Stompdown at Charles F. Dodge City Center, Pembroke Pines, FL. Doors
Open at 6:30 PM, Showtime at 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 31:
● Tobacco Free Florida 5k Run/Walk, 7 AM
● OBC Cheer Clinic at Hard Rock Stadium, 9 AM – 12 PM
● OBC 3rd Annual Denim Party at Hard Rock Stadium, 9 PM – 2 AM
● OBC Battle of the Bands featuring top high school and university marching bands at Watsco
Center, University of Miami, 6 PM
Sunday, September 1:
● Game Day Fan Fest at Hard Rock Stadium, leading up to the 3 PM kickoff of the
● 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic, North Carolina Central University Eagles vs
Alabama State University Hornets, at Hard Rock Stadium, 3 PM & Live on ESPN
For additional event details and to purchase tickets, visit OrangeBlossomClassic.com/events.
About the Orange Blossom Classic
Founded in 1933 by J.R.E. Lee Jr., the son of Florida A&M University’s president, the Orange Blossom
Classic was re-established in 2021 after a 43-year hiatus with a mission to enhance the exposure of
HBCUs. The OBC draws thousands of fans, alums, school members, and families to Miami Gardens,
highlighting the importance of HBCUs in educating aspiring professionals and developing future leaders. In
its fourth year since its return, the OBC continues to build on its legacy, offering an unparalleled platform for
community connection, cultural celebration, and educational empowerment.
