MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | The City of Miami Gardens announces the 2020 relaunching of the Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) on Sunday, September 6 at Hard Rock Stadium with a gridiron showdown between traditional rivals Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Albany State University (ASU).
After it's 41-year hiatus, the local organizing committee plans to usher in a new energy and a fresh experience during its Labor Day weekend showcase of the OBC to engage alumni, students, families and fans; while empowering the youth through official events and community initiatives designed to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges & Universities within the enriched community of Miami Gardens.
"The homecoming of the Orange Blossom Classic aligns with the transformation of Miami Gardens into so much more than a city – we are a community. It's not just football. It's the revival of an untamed legacy."
Mayor Oliver Gilbert of Miami Gardens
Founded in 1933 by J.R.E. Lee Jr., the son of FAMU's president, OBC was the must-see game of the post season that helped establish the foundation of HBCU football classics. The inaugural OBC was played in front of 2,000 fans at a "blacks-only" ballpark in Jacksonville, Fla., in which FAMU beat Howard 9-0.
"We look forward to the renewal of the Orange Blossom Classic and urge fans and friends to get their tickets early. Our Rattler football team is having a great season and 2020 will be no different."
Larry Robinson, Ph. D FAMU President
"We are excited to participate in the resurgence of the Orange Blossom Classic. We're looking forward to connecting with Golden Ram alumni and supporters in what will surely be a great match up."
Marion Ross Fedrick, ASU President
The history of the OBC runs deep within the state of Florida; previously hosted in the cities of Jacksonville, Tampa, Tallahassee and Miami from 1933 -1978. After 46 competitions, this will be the first time FAMU and ASU will face each other at the OBC.
"We're very excited to be going to Miami Gardens to renew the Orange Blossom Classic this Labor Day weekend. This is a game near and dear to a lot of Rattlers and we look forward to seeing a huge turnout down in beautiful Miami."
Willie Simmons, FAMU Head Football Coach
"We are thrilled and excited as a team to be a part of the 2020 Orange Blossom classic. Our fans are already buying up hotel rooms and letting me know personally how excited they are to not only go to Miami but also to play one of our rivals from the past. We know the game is in 2020, but Golden Ram nation cannot wait for the game next fall."
Gabe Giardina, Albany State Head Football Coach
The OBC promises to unite alumni, students, fans and those with an affinity to the HBCU experience in a fun, memorable, family-reunion filled atmosphere; and with a goal to raise scholarship funds for the participating schools for years to come.
For more information about the Orange Blossom Classic visit, www.orangeblossomclassic.com.
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About the Orange Blossom Classic:
The Orange Blossom Classic was founded in 1933 by J.R.E. Lee Jr., the son of Florida A&M University's president, and was hosted in front of a crowd of 2,000 fans at a "blacks-only" ballpark in Jacksonville, Fla. between FAMU and Howard. For 46 years, from 1933 -1978, the Orange Blossom Classic was the must-see game of the post season, unofficially referred to as the "Black National Championship" game, helping to establish the foundation of HBCU football classics.
About City of Miami Gardens:
The City of Miami Gardens celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2018 and is the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. With a population of approximately 110,000, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County. Miami Gardens is a solid, working middle-class community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African American municipality in Florida and boasts thousands of Caribbean and Hispanic residents. The City will host the 2020 Super Bowl and hosted the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl, the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl™, Super Bowl XLIV™, 2013 Orange Bowl and 2013 BCS National Championship game. The City has demonstrated steady growth in the areas of community and economic development and has gained a reputation for being a hot destination in South Florida. Miami Gardens is the City of Progress. www.miamigardens.fl-gov.
