This yr’s Orange Blossom Traditional (OBC) will showcase the Alabama State College Hornets and North Carolina Central College Eagles at Laborious Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday, Sept. 1.
“The Orange Blossom Traditional has at all times been a beacon of alternative and unity within the HBCU neighborhood.” Kendra Bulluck, Government Director of the OBC, shared her enthusiasm.
“This yr, we current the abilities of North Carolina Central College Eagles and Alabama State College Hornets, providing an thrilling expertise. We welcome each groups with open arms and are excited in regards to the distinctive power and competitors they’ll convey to the traditional.”
The 2024 OBC would be the first time since 2021 that Florida A&M and Jackson State College is not going to take part within the revived traditional. For the final three seasons, the Orange Blossom Traditional has featured the Rattlers and the Tigers. Nonetheless, each groups have determined to not lengthen their participation this yr.
Each NCCU and ASU Director of Athletics expressed their pleasure following the announcement early this week.
“It’s very thrilling to have NCCU soccer taking part in within the Orange Blossom Traditional to kick off the 2024 season on Labor Day weekend,” Dr. Louis “Skip” Perkins, Director of Athletics at NCCU.
“The Orange Blossom Traditional has a deep historical past with HBCUs from the MEAC and SWAC, and with Coach Oliver’s connections to each conferences, North Carolina Central College is proud to now participate in that custom for an occasion that may convey each nationwide publicity and scholarship fundraising to each our campus and HBCUs.
“Alabama State College Athletics is thrilled to be part of the Denny’s Orange Blossom Traditional (OBC) and its long-standing custom,” Dr. Jason Cable, Director of Athletics at ASU.
“I need to thank Kendra Bulluck and the OBC committee for the invitation. This recreation enhances our general student-athlete expertise and provides our younger males the chance of a lifetime, together with nationwide publicity and taking part in in an expert venue.
NCCU, underneath head coach Trei Oliver, has been the most effective HBCU soccer groups since profitable the 2021 HBCU Soccer Nationwide Championship. The Eagles have been a win away from repeating because the 2023 MEAC Soccer Champions, nonetheless earned a berth into the 2023 NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs towards Richmond.
Final season, Eddie Robinson Jr.’s ASU squad went 7-4 and have been 2nd within the SWAC East behind Florida A&M. The Hornets signed dynamic quarterback Andrew Physique through the NCAA Switch portal. The 2024 OBC may develop into a preview of the 2024 Celebration Bowl.
In regards to the Orange Blossom Traditional
Based in 1933 by the son of Florida A&M College’s president, J.R.E. Lee Jr. The Orange Blossom Traditional rapidly grew to become the postseason’s must-see recreation. The inaugural Orange Blossom Traditional welcomed 2,000 followers to the “blacks-only” ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida, the place FAMU beat Howard 9-0 and efficiently established the muse of HBCU classics.
From 1933 -1978, the Orange Blossom Traditional reigned supreme because the postseason’s premier HBCU traditional occasion. After a 43-year hiatus, The Orange Blossom Traditional made its return to Miami Gardens in 2021.
Be part of the #OneBigCommunity on the 2024 Denny's Orange Blossom Traditional! It's greater than a recreation; it's the place neighborhood, tradition, and HBCU delight collide
. We unite to rejoice our legacy and future. Who will take the sphere Labor Day Weekend? Keep tuned! #OBC2024 #CelebratingHBCUs pic.twitter.com/cvi9El1lgY
— orangeblossomfc (@orangeblossomfc) January 20, 2024
The OBC was re-established to reinforce Traditionally Black Faculties & Universities’ publicity within the enriched neighborhood of Miami Gardens. It guarantees to draw hundreds of followers, alumni, college members, and relations from these revered communities, highlighting curiosity in HBCUs and their roles in educating aspiring professionals and growing our future leaders.
With a objective to boost scholarship funds for the collaborating colleges for years to return, the reinvigorated HBCU Soccer Traditional will assist to help the information and expertise supplied by the self-discipline, dedication, and dedication it takes to be a Traditionally Black Faculty & College scholar.
Pre-sale tickets for the 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Traditional might be obtainable completely from Feb. 2 to 4th for these members of OBC’s fan database. You possibly can be a part of by signing up at www.orangeblossomclassic.com. Tickets will go on sale to most of the people on Feb. 5. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic occasion.
