#United States #Boca Raton #HBCU Bands #Palm Beaches #Pepsi Battle

The Inaugural Pepsi National Battle of the Bands in The Palm Beaches

The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) is set to expand its renowned celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by heading to South Florida for the first time. Mark your calendars for the MLK Weekend in January 2026, specifically from January 15-18, where the vibrant culture and musical talent of HBCU bands will be highlighted in a new location - The Palm Beaches, Florida.

This exciting expansion into The Palm Beaches signifies a milestone for the NBOTB, which has been a part of the cultural fabric of the HBCU community for over a decade. The event has previously showcased some of the most talented marching bands from various HBCUs, promoting not only entertainment and culture but also educational opportunities, having awarded over $2.1 million in scholarships throughout its 12-year history.

Event Details

This year’s main event will culminate on January 17 at the Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida, where a line-up of incredible HBCU marching bands are set to perform. Participating bands include:

• - Away Side (East): Bethune-Cookman University – Marching Wildcats, Florida Memorial University – ROAR, North Carolina A&T State University – Blue & Gold Marching Machine
• - Home Side (West): South Carolina State University – Marching 101, Southern University – Human Jukebox

The excitement is palpable, and the organizer, Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and Executive Producer of NBOTB, has shared his enthusiasm about introducing the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands to a new audience. He commented, “We’re proud to bring the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands to a new audience in The Palm Beaches. This expansion is a milestone moment in the event’s legacy, allowing us to amplify the music, pride, and excellence of HBCUs on an even larger scale.”

Community Engagement and Additional Events

This celebration of HBCU culture will extend beyond just musical performances. The event weekend will offer a variety of engaging activities for the community, ensuring participants have a full schedule of experiences. Some of the events planned include:

• - NBOTB Cares Initiative: Kicking off on January 15 to engage with the community positively.
• - HBCU College & Career Fair: This event will be held on January 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palm Beach State College Gym, aimed at connecting students with educational and occupational opportunities.
• - Emerging Experience Entrepreneurship Conference: Scheduled for the same day, this conference will also run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. focusing on fostering young entrepreneurs.
• - Fan Experience Stroll-Off Competition: A fun-filled competition will take place on January 17, allowing fans to engage directly and enjoy the event atmosphere.

George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, expressed the significance of this event, stating, “The National Battle of the Bands is an incredible addition to our calendar of major events. This event brings immense cultural and economic value.”

Ticket sales for this historical celebration will initiate on October 28, with prices starting as low as $20. Fans and supporters are encouraged to secure their spots early, ensuring they partake in this momentous occasion that promises to bring together families, friends, and communities in an uplifting celebration of HBCU culture.

In summary, the upcoming Pepsi National Battle of the Bands in The Palm Beaches is not just a musical contest but a significant cultural gathering, making waves in the community while supporting education and showcasing the incredible talent of HBCU marching bands. Mark your calendars and stay updated by visiting nationalbattleofthebands.com. Join the conversation and share your excitement on social media with the hashtag #NationalBattleoftheBands.