The 2026 Big HBCU Battle of the Bands: Battle for the South is headed to Savannah, Georgia, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, bringing nine Historically Black Colleges and Universities together for an unforgettable showcase of musicianship, school pride and HBCU culture.

The main event begins at 4:00 p.m. EST at Theodore A. Wright Stadium in Savannah, where some of the South’s most exciting HBCU marching bands will take the field in front of students, alumni, families, band enthusiasts and HBCU supporters. FAN FEST | 12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Before the bands take the field, the celebration begins with the official Big HBCU Battle of the Bands Fan Fest, happening from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Theodore A. Wright Stadium.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early for an afternoon featuring food trucks, vendors, live music, entertainment and more. Fan Fest will bring together students, families, HBCU alumni, band supporters and the Savannah community before leading directly into the Battle for the South main event at 4:00 p.m. 2026 PARTICIPATING HBCUs

•  South Carolina State University
• Virginia State University
• Savannah State University
• Talladega College
• Fort Valley State University
• Bethune-Cookman University
• Albany State University
• Winston-Salem State University
• Benedict College

More than a battle, the Big HBCU Battle of the Bands is designed to celebrate the impact of HBCUs while showing young people how music, education and opportunity can work together.

With Savannah serving as the host city, the event provides an opportunity for local students and families to experience HBCU culture firsthand while learning more about higher education and opportunities available
through participating institutions.

The event also aims to strengthen the pipeline between middle and high school students and HBCUs, particularly students involved in marching band and music programs.  Students can experience collegiate band culture while being introduced to institutions that could become part of their educational future.

From powerful drumlines and precision marching to high-energy dance routines and signature HBCU sounds, Battle for the South will showcase the talent, discipline, history and traditions that have made HBCU marching bands a cultural phenomenon.

EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: 2026 Big HBCU Battle of the Bands – Battle for the South
WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 2026
FAN FEST: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
MAIN EVENT: 4:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: Theodore A. Wright Stadium, Savannah, Georgia
TICKETS: On sale now at BigHBCU.com

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Media outlets are invited to cover the 2026 Big HBCU Battle of the Bands: Battle for the South. Coverage opportunities include Fan Fest, the main event, interviews with event organizers, participating HBCU representatives, band leadership and students, along with event-day photo and video opportunities at Theodore A. Wright Stadium.