ESPN Events has been involved with HBCU football for nearly 20 years since the inception of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. That involvement increased with the creation of the Celebration Bowl in 2015 and got even bigger last year with the ESPN Band of The Year competition in 2023.
In an insightful conversation at SWAC Media Day, Steven J. Gaither, founder of HBCU Gameday, sat down with John Grant, the Executive Director of ESPN Events. Their discussion provided an in-depth look at the excitement and preparation leading up to the second annual HBCU ESPN Band Of The Year competition.
HBCU Football kicks off college football
With the football season approaching, the atmosphere was electric. Grant remarked on the palpable energy at SWAC Media Day, a sign that the football season was truly underway.
“You can smell the football, the pigskin in the air,” he said, emphasizing the anticipation building up to the MEAC/SWAC Challenge featuring Florida A&M University and Norfolk State University. This year marks a historic first as the reigning national champions, the Florida A&M Rattlers, will open the season, setting the stage for an unforgettable event.
ESPN Band of The Year Grows
One of the highlights of the conversation was the announcement of the Band Of The Year competition. Last year’s inaugural event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium set a high standard, and both Gaither and Grant were eager to see how the competition would evolve. “We’re thrilled because this is the first time that we have a reigning national champion,” Grant noted, referring to the excitement of seeing the Marching 100 along with Florida A&M football in town to take on Norfolk State football and the Spartan Legion in Atlanta.
The Band Of The Year competition, which debuted last year, showcased the incredible talent and spirit of HBCU bands. North Carolina A&T won the Division I bracket, beating out Jackson State University. And either of this season’s MEAC/SWAC bands could be back in December as well.
“People don’t get to see the Spartan Legion as much, so being able to have them in Atlanta on the stage is significant,” Grant said.
The competition has garnered immense excitement, with schools like Winston-Salem State University vying for a spot in the national championship at the Division II level. Florida Memorial won last year’s competition at that level.
“Year one for us was really about laying the groundwork,” he explained. The event was not only entertaining but also a success in terms of television production and viewership. With lessons learned from the first year, ESPN Events plans to make significant tweaks to enhance the experience.
The conversation wrapped up with anticipation for the Celebration Bowl, an event that continues to grow each year. Despite changes brought about by the expanded College Football Playoff, the commitment to protecting and enhancing the experience for fans and participants remains strong. Grant highlighted the importance of adapting to new schedules and ensuring that the bowl season opens with high-quality, competitive games.
As the second annual HBCU ESPN Band Of The Year competition approaches, the excitement is palpable. With the support of HBCU Gameday and the commitment of ESPN Events, this year promises to be a spectacular celebration of the musical talent, cultural heritage, and competitive spirit that define HBCU bands.