HBCU Classics 2023: Thrills, Skills, and Historic Moments

Last Updated on August 20, 2023

For anyone in the world of HBCU sports, the HBCU Classics 2023 is more than just a series of games; it's a showcase of culture, heritage, and unmatched athletic prowess. From the bustling tailgates to the electric atmosphere of the stadium, HBCU Classics are where memories are made.

A Brief History of HBCU Classics and Their Importance

Ever been to the HBCU New York Classic? If not, you're missing out. The HBCU Classics started as vibrant battles on the field, evolving into large-scale cultural events. 

Over the years, the classics have given HBCUs a chance to show off not only their talent but also their rich history. Each classic tells a story about pride and competition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

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Did you know the HBCU Labor Day Classic 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina, from September 1-3, is poised to be a record-breaker? Thousands will flock for the Battle of the Bands, Fan Fest Weekend, a college and career fair. Check out the key HBCU Classics 2023 key matchups.

Have you ever wondered about the Chicago Football Classic 2023? Or perhaps you're eager for the full HBCU Football Classics 2023 schedule? As we inch closer, expect nothing short of spectacular from each football classic game. See the schedule below to select the 2023 HBCU football classic you want to attend.

HBCU Football Classics 2023 Schedule

Classic	Matchup	Location	Date
MEAC/SWAC Challenge	Jackson State vs. South Carolina State	Atlanta, GA	Aug. 26
Labor Day Classic	Clark Atlanta vs. Kentucky State	Frankfort, KY	Aug. 31
Big Cat Classic	Edward Waters vs. Florida Memorial	Jacksonville, FL	Sept. 2
Chicago Football Classic	Mississippi Valley State vs. Central State	Chicago, IL	Sept. 2
Brick City Classic	Grambling State vs. Hampton	Harrison, NJ	Sept. 2
Labor Day Classic	Norfolk State vs. Virginia State	Norfolk, VA	Sept. 2
Labor Day Classic	Alabama State vs. Southern	Montgomery, AL	Sept. 2
Labor Day Classic	Prairie View A&M vs. Texas Southern	Houston, TX	Sept. 2
Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic	Virginia Union vs. Morehouse	Canton, OH	Sept. 3
Red Tails Classic	Fort Valley State vs. Tuskegee	Montgomery, AL	Sept. 3
Orange Blossom Classic	Jackson State vs. Florida A&M	Miami, FL	Sept. 3
Pete Richardson Classic (Boombox Classic)	Southern vs. Jackson State	Baton Rouge, LA	Sept. 9
Aggie-Eagle Classic	North Carolina Central vs. North Carolina A&T	Greensboro, NC	Sept. 9
Southern Heritage Classic	Tennessee State vs. Arkansas at Pine Bluff	Memphis, TN	Sept. 9
Battle of the Bay	Norfolk State vs. Hampton	Hampton, VA	Sept. 9
Down East Viking Classic	Elizabeth City State vs. Saint Augustine’s	Rocky Mount, NC	Sept. 9
HBCU New York Classic	Albany State vs. Morehouse	East Rutherford, NJ	Sept. 16
John Merritt Classic	Tennessee State vs. Gardner-Webb	Nashville, TN	Sept. 16
Battle of Greater Baltimore	Morgan State vs. Towson	Baltimore, MD	Sept. 16
Delta Classic	Mississippi Valley State vs. Delta State	Cleveland, MS	Sept. 16
Battle of the Real HU	Howard vs. Hampton	Washington, DC	Sept. 16
Willard Bailey Classic	Virginia Union vs. Fayetteville State	Richmond, VA	Sept. 23
Circle City Classic	Mississippi Valley State vs. North Carolina Central	Indianapolis, IN	Sept. 23
W.C. Gorden Classic	Jackson State vs. Bethune-Cookman	Jackson, MS	Sept. 23
Coastal City Classic	Savannah State vs. Albany State	Brunswick, GA	Sept. 23
State Fair Classic	Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M	Dallas, TX	Sept. 30
Gulf Coast Challenge	Jackson State vs. Alabama A&M	Mobile, AL	Oct. 7
Magic City Classic	Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M	Birmingham, AL	Oct. 28
AME Football Classic	Edward Waters vs. Allen	Columbia, SC	Oct. 28
Commemorative Classic	Livingstone vs. Johnson C. Smith	Charlotte, NC	Nov. 4
Port City Classic	Grambling State vs. Alabama State	Mobile, AL	Nov. 4
L. Douglas Wider Classic	Virginia Union vs. Virginia State	Richmond, VA	Nov. 4
Raleigh Classic	Shaw vs. Saint Augustine’s	Raleigh, NC	Nov. 4
Battle of the AUC	Clark Atlanta vs. Morehouse	Atlanta, GA	Nov. 4
Florida Classic	Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman	Orlando, FL	Nov. 18
Soul Bowl	Alcorn State vs Jackson State	Lorman, MS	Nov. 18
Turkey Day Classic	Alabama State vs. Tuskegee	Montgomery, AL	Nov. 23
Bayou Classic	Southern vs. Grambling State	New Orleans, LA	Nov. 25
Celebration Bowl	MEAC champion vs. SWAC champion	Atlanta, GA	Dec. 16

HBCU Football Classics 2023 Sources: HBCU Sports, Side Arm Sports, NCAA, HBCU Classics event websites

Cultural Celebrations: More Than Just a Game

Beyond touchdowns and tackles:

• Alumni reunions that rekindle old friendships.
• Showcases of Black-owned businesses: supporting the community.
• Halftime shows where HBCU marching bands steal the limelight.

👨🏿‍💻 ALSO READ: HBCU Rankings 2023: The Top 25 Black Colleges from U.S. News

HBCU Classics 2023 is not just another entry in the history of sports. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of Black Colleges and communities. Whether you're an alumnus reminiscing about the good old days, a student experiencing your first classic, or a supporter who's been there year after year – this year promises memories you'll cherish forever.

So, what game from the HBCU Classics 2023 are you most excited about? Whatever it is, here's to another year of exhilarating HBCU football action!