LAS VEGAS (September 17, 2025) The Las Vegas HBCU Classic today announced a lineup of events leading up to the much-anticipated Jackson State vs. Grambling State football game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, October 25. From a spirited pep rally under the lights of Fremont Street to a dynamic Gospel Brunch, the weekend promises a full celebration of HBCU culture, tradition, and competition.
LAS VEGAS HBCU CLASSIC PEP RALLY
Fremont Street Experience (Third Street Stage)
Friday, October 24 | 4:00-5:30 PM
On the eve of the big game, fans will gather for a spirited pep rally designed to capture the energy and tradition of HBCU football. The celebration will feature performances from both school bands, a local step team, and appearances from representatives of each school's athletic department. The rally will bring together alumni, students, and fans for an evening of music, movement, and school pride.
LAS VEGAS HBCU CLASSIC ALUMNI MIXER
Mariposa Cocina & Cocktails
Friday, October 24 | 7:00-11:00 PM
The HBCU Mixer, hosted by the Jackson State University and Grambling State University alumni organizations, invites HBCU alumni, members of Divine Nine organizations, and supporters from across the community to come together for an evening of connection and celebration. The event will feature a live DJ, light bites, and vendor booths, creating a vibrant atmosphere that highlights the spirit and legacy of HBCUs.
LAS VEGAS HBCU CLASSIC GAME DAY TAILGATE LOT
Allegiant Stadium - Lot B
Saturday, October 25 | Opens at noon (12:00 PM)
The official tailgate lot will open at noon (12:00 PM) in Lot B, located at the northwest corner of Allegiant Stadium near the intersection of Hacienda and Polaris. This welcoming gathering spot will serve as the ultimate pregame destination for HBCU fans to come together, celebrate, and build excitement ahead of kickoff. Alumni, students, and supporters are invited to join in the festivities, enjoy the camaraderie, and showcase their school pride in true HBCU tradition. A parking pass for Lot B is $25, and fans may reserve their spot HERE.
LAS VEGAS HBCU CLASSIC GOSPEL BRUNCH
Resorts World Las Vegas (Lily Ballroom)
Sunday, October 26 | 1:00-4:00 PM
The Las Vegas HBCU Classic Gospel Brunch, sponsored by the Las Vegas Raiders, invites the community to an uplifting afternoon of soul-stirring gospel music at Resorts World Las Vegas. This in-person celebration will highlight talented performers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, bringing together faith, music, and culture in a vibrant setting. Whether you're a longtime gospel fan or new to the genre, the event promises to inspire and uplift all who attend. Admission is free, but RSVPs are required via the following webpage.
Travel packages and tickets for the event are available at allegiantstadium.com/lvhbcuclassic. Follow @lvhbcuclassic on X and Instagram for updates and information regarding the event.
The Las Vegas HBCU Classic was created through a strategic partnership between the Las Vegas Raiders, Legends Global, Russ Potts Productions, Inc., and the LVCVA. In addition to showcasing top-tier HBCU football at Allegiant Stadium, the Classic also serves as a platform to celebrate culture, tradition, and educational advancement through experiences like the DREAM Foundation internship program.
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
