ATLANTA (August 14, 2024) — To honor the contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the Atlanta Braves will host their seventh annual HBCU Night presented by Truist on Thursday, August 22 as the team takes on the Philadelphia Phillies. The night will celebrate the impact of HBCUs on the community and game of baseball.
Braves alumni who attended HBCUs include Bill Lucas (Florida A&M University), Ralph Garr (Grambling State University), Marvin Freeman (Jackson State University), and Marquis Grissom (Florida A&M University).
In conjunction with HBCU Night presented by Truist, the Braves will offer an HBCU Night ticket package which includes a game ticket, an Atlanta Braves “Thumper” Bass Drum bobblehead, a $4 donation to the Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance, and exclusive access to the inaugural HBCU Night Pregame Party at the Coca-Cola Roxy. This event will be hosted by V103’s own, Big Tigger and DJ PNUT at 5:15p.m. and offer fans a night of fellowship and fun with HBCU faculty, alumni, and students. For more information on HBCU Night or to purchase the ticket package, please visit, www.braves.com/hbcu.
At the pregame party, a Braves Retail Pop-Up Shop will offer a collection of Braves and HBCU co-branded hats from associated universities across Braves Country, including Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T University, Grambling State University, and Spelman College. Guests are also encouraged to wear their HBCU gear and Greek paraphernalia.
Fans are invited to arrive early to the ballpark for a special performance by the Alabama State University Marching Hornets in front of the Coca-Cola Roxy on Battery Avenue at 5:15p.m.
Before the game, the Braves will hold a special on-field presentation recognizing current HBCU Presidents from the Atlanta University Center including, Dr. Helene D. Gayle (Spelman College), Dr. David Thomas (Morehouse College), and Dr. Kevin James (Morris Brown College University). Dr. George French (Clark Atlanta University), who is unable to attend, will also be honored. There will be a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Emmy-nominated actress and Spelman College alumna, Keshia Knight Pulliam.
Fans can stop by the Truist Community Corner, located at the corner of Power Alley and Battery Avenue, all weekend to shop at Black-owned small businesses. From Thursday, August 22, through Sunday, August 25, fans can also grab baseball-themed giveaways, enjoy the Xbox gaming lounge, and get their face painted. In addition, Cam Kirk, a Morehouse College alumnus and founder of Cam Kirk Studios, will host temporary pop-up studios at the Community Corner, allowing local creators a chance to improve their skills, market themselves, and network.