Las Vegas to Host Inaugural HBCU Classic Featuring Grambling State and Jackson State at Allegiant Stadium
The historic rivalry between Grambling State University and Jackson State University will take center stage in Las Vegas on October 25, 2025, as the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic debuts at Allegiant Stadium. This landmark event marks a significant addition to the HBCU football calendar, showcasing two of college football’s most storied programs in a state-of-the-art venue on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Las Vegas Raiders, in partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, ASM Global, and Russ Potts Productions, are spearheading this exciting new classic, which highlights the rich athletic legacy and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This matchup between Grambling State and Jackson State, both Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) powerhouses, will be their 73rd all-time meeting, continuing a rivalry that dates back to 1956. Grambling currently leads the overall series, 43-27, including a 41-20 victory in their latest encounter on September 21, 2024.
“This event isn’t just a football game. It’s a celebration of the pride, heritage, and talent that define HBCU athletics,” said Sandra Douglass Morgan, President of the Las Vegas Raiders. She emphasized the Raiders’ deep-rooted connection to HBCU football, citing the franchise’s history of pioneering Black leadership and talent in professional football, including Hall of Famers and trailblazers nurtured by HBCUs. “We eagerly anticipate welcoming HBCU football to Las Vegas for a game that will resonate far beyond the stadium,” Morgan added.
The Las Vegas HBCU Classic promises an immersive fan experience, with ticket and hotel packages available that feature exclusive perks such as a welcome party at Atomic Golf and nightclub access for adult attendees. Flexible payment options and a variety of seating sections aim to attract a broad audience of HBCU alumni, current students, and football enthusiasts eager to witness the clash in a premier NFL stadium with a 65,000-seat capacity.
On the field, Jackson State arrives as the reigning top-ranked HBCU football team following their championship season in 2024, bringing momentum and star power that promises a competitive showdown against Grambling’s storied program, known for producing NFL legends and college football icons. Both schools have cultivated rich traditions, including celebrated marching bands and vibrant game day pageantry, which will be featured prominently, enhancing the cultural significance of the event.
Broadcasting the game will be Allen Media Group’s HBCUGo, a Black-owned digital platform dedicated exclusively to HBCU sports and culture. This partnership underscores the commitment to showcase the full HBCU experience—the athletic competition, the marching bands, and the vibrant traditions—to a national and global audience. The alliance marks a progressive step in elevating HBCU football’s visibility and reach, marrying historic rivalries with cutting-edge venues and media platforms.
This new classic complements established marquee HBCU football events, including the Celebration Bowl, set for December 13, 2025, at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which pits the champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and SWAC against each other for the national HBCU football title.
Looking ahead, the Las Vegas HBCU Classic sets a new standard for showcasing Black college football on a grand scale. By bringing two legendary programs to a world-class venue in a major entertainment city, the event not only honors decades of heroic athletic achievement but also amplifies HBCU culture and community. It opens doors for potential national broadcasts and increased media rights deals, which are crucial for HBCU athletic growth amid ongoing challenges related to funding, equity, and athlete compensation.
For Jackson State and Grambling State, this game represents more than a rivalry; it is an opportunity to shine on a historic stage and inspire future generations of student-athletes, while invigorating their alumni bases and invigorating the broader HBCU sports ecosystem. With fan engagement packages and a vibrant atmosphere planned, the Las Vegas HBCU Classic promises to be a milestone event that fans and participants alike will cherish for years to come.
Fans eager to attend are encouraged to secure tickets early, as anticipation builds for this groundbreaking matchup on October 25, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Upcoming games to watch beyond the classic include the Celebration Bowl in December, where Jackson State will look to defend its crown, and the growing CIAA conference baseball season, as well as ongoing discussions around NCAA athlete compensation impacting HBCU programs’ competitive futures.
This event signals a new era for HBCU sports — one that honors tradition while embracing growth, innovation, and national prominence.
[Author: Veteran HBCU Sports Journalist]