LAS VEGAS – The P&G Las Vegas HBCU Classic presented by The Stephen Lackey Family of Companies will showcase both the on-field matchup between Jackson State University and Grambling State University and performances from two of the nation's most recognized HBCU marching bands - Grambling State's "World Famed Tiger Marching Band" and Jackson State's "Sonic Boom of the South."
The bands will each perform at the Fremont Street Pep Rally on Friday, October 24, energizing fans ahead of game day, and will each perform during halftime on Saturday, October 25, at Allegiant Stadium. Following the final whistle, fans are encouraged to stay for one of HBCU football's most beloved traditions - the "5th Quarter," where both bands will deliver postgame performances from the seating bowl.
The "World Famed Tiger Marching Band," led by Dr. Nikole Roebuck - the first woman to hold the position of Director of Bands for Grambling State - was founded in 1926. The band secured its place in history by performing at the first-ever Super Bowl halftime show in 1967 and holds the record for the most Super Bowl halftime performances by a college band. The "World Famed Tiger Marching Band" also took the field for a Raiders halftime performance during the 2021 season.
"We're honored to bring the sound and spirit of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band back to Las Vegas for the HBCU Classic," said Dr. Roebuck, Director of Bands at Grambling State University. "It's a full-circle moment in a legacy that spans generations. "From being the first marching band to perform at a Raiders game at Allegiant Stadium in 2021 to carrying the baton toward our centennial celebration in 2026, our students have worked tirelessly sharpening their skills as musicians, scholars, and cultural ambassadors. Now, the stage is set. The lights are up. And the wait is over. It's Showtime."
Jackson State's "Sonic Boom of the South," under the direction of Dr. Roderick Little, is routinely recognized among the nation's leading HBCU marching bands, celebrated for its showmanship, intricate drills, and cultural impact. Formed in the 1940s with musicians from Jackson College and Lanier High School students, the "Sonic Boom of the South" recently performed with Usher during the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in 2024 and during the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade.
"We're thrilled to return to Las Vegas with the energy and excitement of our fans, supporters and alumni alongside us in the Entertainment Capital of the World," said Dr. Little, Director of Bands/Assistant Professor of Music at Jackson State University. "The city has offered our students and band program stages to create history in front of world audiences, and we're honored for the opportunity to do it once again, now for the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic to celebrate excellence, community, culture and unity."
Travel packages and tickets for the event are available at allegiantstadium.com/lvhbcuclassic. Follow @lvhbcuclassicon X and Instagram for updates.
Take a look at the Raiders who have played for a Historically Black College or University. Not pictured: Jim Brewington from North Carolina Central (1961), Willie Williams from Grambling State University (1966), Richard Slight from North Carolina Central (1967), Rod Hill from Kentucky State University (1987) and Victor Jackson from Bowie State University (1987).
DB Phillip Adams (2012-13)
South Carolina State University
DB Eddie Anderson (1987-97)
Fort Valley State University
DB George Atkinson (1968-77)
Morris Brown College
WR Malcolm Barnwell (1981-84)
Virginia Union
DB Ron Bartell (2012)
Howard University
DE Joe Bell (1979)
Norfolk State
DB Rufus Bess (1979)
South Carolina State University
TE Raymond Chester (1970-72) (1978-81)
Morgan State
RB Clem Daniels (1961-67)
Prairie View A&M
DT David Daniels (1966)
Florida A&M University
DB James Davis (1982-87)
Southern University
WR Eldridge Dickey (1968-71)
Tennessee State University
RB Hewritt Dixon (1966-70)
Florida A&M University
DB Donald Frank (1994)
Winston-Salem State
DT Al Dotson (1968-70)
Grambling State University
TE John Eason (1968)
Florida A&M University
DE Elvis Franks (1985-86)
Morgan State
RB Derrick Gainer (1992)
Florida A&M University
RB Hubert Ginn (1976-78)
Florida A&M University
TE Andrew Glover (1991-96)
Grambling State University
DB Antonio Hamilton (2016-17)
South Carolina State University
RB Harold Hart (1974-75)(1978)
Texas Southern University
RB Clarence Hawkins (1979)
Florida A&M University
TE Marcus Hinton (1995-96)
Alcorn State University
G Lester Holmes (1997)
Jackson State University
LB Gerald Irons (1970-75)
Maryland State
DT Grady Jackson (1997-2001)
Knoxville College
LB Richard Jackson (1966)
Southern University
WR Greg Jenkins (2013)
Alabama State
LB/DE AJ Jimerson (1990-91)
Norfolk State
DT Kevin Johnson (1997)
Texas Southern University
TE David Jones (1992)
Delaware State University
P Marquette King (2013-17)
Fort Valley State University
DB Keenan Lambert (2015)
Norfolk State
DB Dan Land (1989-97)
Albany State University
DE Ike Lassiter (1965-69)
St. Augustine
T Henry Lawrence (1974-86)
Florida A&M University
DB Albert Lewis (1994-98)
Grambling State University
DB Garry Lewis (1990-91)
Alcorn State University
LB Marshall McFadden (2013)
South Carolina State University
WR Terry Mickens (1998-2000)
Florida A&M University
DE Riley Morris (1960-62)
Florida A&M University
WR Calvin Muhammad (1982-83)
Texas Southern University
G/T Toby Myles (2000-01)
Jackson State University
DB Keyon Nash (2004)
Albany State University
DT Carleton Oats (1965-72)
Florida A&M University
T Brandon Parker (2018-23)
North Carolina A&T State University
T Gerald Perry (1993-95)
Southern University
DE Charles Philyaw (1976-79)
Texas Southern University
WR Frank Pitts (1974)
Southern University
CB Tyrone Poole (2006)
Fort Valley State University
RB/TE Jeff Queen (1972-73)
Morgan State
LB Floyd Rice (1976-77)
Alcorn State
RB Harold Rice (1971)
Tennessee State University
WR Jerry Rice (2001-04)
Mississippi Valley State University
DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2018)
Tennessee State University
DB Carey Scott (2002-03)
Kentucky State University
T Art Shell (1968-82)
Maryland State
T Chad Slaughter (2002-06)
Alcorn State University
DT Malcolm Taylor (1987-88)
Tennessee State University
T Jylan Ware (2017)
Alabama State
WR Warren Wells (1967-70)
Texas Southern University
C/T Dwight Wheeler (1984) (1987-88)
Tennessee State University
DE Alberto White (1994)
Texas Southern University
RB Eugene White (1962)
Florida A&M University
DB Howie Williams (1964-69)
Howard University
DB Ricky Williams (1985) (1987)
Langston University
DB Willie Brown (1967-78)
Grambling State University
DB Nemiah Wilson (1968-74)
Grambling State University
DB Alvin Wyatt (1970)
Bethune-Cookman University
