HBCU football and Labor Day Classic return for new season

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football and associated cultural events are set to return for the upcoming season.

Jackson State University will host the 2026 HBCU Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The event, which includes food trucks, vendors, and performances by the Sonic Boom of the South, serves as a significant economic driver for Jackson and Hinds County. Organizers have set a goal of attracting 50,000 attendees this year, following a previous year that generated $1.9 million in economic impact for the city.

The football season kicks off with Week 0, featuring several high-profile matchups. Notable games include the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff in Atlanta, featuring Alabama A&M against Howard, and Jackson State facing Tennessee State in Nashville. Other scheduled games include Southern versus Alabama State and Prairie View A&M at Tarleton State.