TORRANCE, Calif. – Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB), the nation’s premier showcase for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands, today revealed the full lineup of participating schools and announced that multi-hyphenate entertainer and entrepreneur Nick Cannon will serve as the celebrity host for the event’s first-ever West Coast show on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Watch the reveal video of the full marching band lineup at https://honda.us/HBOB2025Lineup.
Nick Cannon to Serve as HBOB Celebrity Host
The host for the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands will be a multi-hyphenate entertainer and entrepreneur Nick Cannon. Among his many film and TV credits, Cannon starred in the classic 2002 film “Drumline,” which elevated public awareness and enthusiasm about the ingenuity and creativity that is synonymous with HBCU marching band and dance troupe culture.
“Honda Battle of the Bands has been a cherished celebration for fans of HBCU marching bands, resonating deeply with generations who hold Black culture close to their hearts,” said Cannon. “Hosting HBOB’s first-ever West Coast show is an honor. We’re going to create unforgettable moments together.”
About SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, is located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre sports and entertainment destination being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke in Inglewood, Calif. The 3.1 million-square-foot SoFi Stadium is the largest stadium in the NFL, as well as the first indoor-outdoor stadium. It seats approximately 70,000, expandable up to 100,000, with more than 260 luxury suites and more than 13,000 premium seats. SoFi Stadium was host to Super Bowl LVI in 2022, the College Football National Championship in 2023, WrestleMania in 2023, the annual LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk, and was ranked the No. 1 stadium in the world for top-grossing concert and live event ticket sales in 2023. SoFi Stadium is set to host eight FIFA World Cup ’26 matches, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in 2028. Adjacent to the stadium and sitting under the same roof canopy is the 2.5-acre American Airlines Plaza and the 6,000-seat YouTube Theater.