EVENTS
Unveiling the
2025
InvescoQQQ Orange Blossom Classic
Come Experience the Action On and Off the Field!
We’ve got an exciting weekend of events planned for your weekend in celebration of the Orange Blossom Classic. You won’t want to miss a moment!
Saturday, August 23
2025 OBC Cheer and Dance Clinic
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Address:
Betty T. Ferguson Gymnasium
3000 NW 199th St, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Time: 9am
It’s YOUR time to shine at the 2025 OBC Cheer and Dance Clinic!
We’re calling all South Florida cheer and dance teams to bring the energy, rep your squad, and get OBC ready. Clinic participants will learn a spirited routine for a chance to perform on game day with the Howard University and Florida A&M University cheer squads in front of thousands at Hard Rock Stadium.
Make history, show out, and feel the pride as we countdown to Labor Day Weekend’s biggest HBCU tradition.
Sunday, August 24
Commissioner Oliver Gilbert’s Pickleball Tournament
Presented by Baptist Health
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025
Address:
Rolling Oaks Park
1401 NW 183 St., Miami Gardens, FL
Time: 8:00 a.m.
(Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.)
Get ready to serve up some fun at the Commissioner Oliver Gilbert’s Pickleball Tournament presented by Baptist Health, part of the 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic Week! This exciting community event brings together players of all skill levels for a morning of competition, camaraderie, and HBCU spirit.
This year’s tournament features a special celebrity appearance by Miami’s own Trick Daddy — joining the action as a celebrity player! Whether you’re hitting the court or cheering from the sidelines, it’s the perfect way to kick off OBC Week in Miami Gardens.
Register now to secure your spot on the court!
Tuesday, August 26
The Allstate Career Recruitment Fair
Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Address:
The Smith Conference Center, Florida Memorial University
15800 NW 42nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Time: 10am
Looking to take the next step in your career? The Allstate Career Recruitment Fair, hosted by CareerSource South Florida and TeamWork Online, connects job seekers with leading employers across multiple industries. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, this is your chance to network, explore opportunities, and make a lasting impression.
Bring copies of your résumé, CV, or portfolio
Dress in business attire
Be prepared to build meaningful connections
Enjoy a curated culinary experience, dynamic speakers, and exciting entertainment — all as we officially kick off Labor Day Weekend in style.
Free event, registration required.
Invesco QQQ Careers in Sports & Entertainment Symposium
Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Address:
Florida Memorial University
Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts
15800 NW 42nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Invesco QQQ Careers in Sports & Entertainment Symposium is one of the most anticipated educational experiences of OBC Week. This free, dynamic event brings together top professionals, innovators, and executives from across the sports and entertainment industries to share their knowledge and expertise.
Attendees will hear first-hand insights in a powerful panel-style format, covering everything from career strategy and brand building to leadership and navigating the business behind the scenes. Whether you’re a student, recent grad, or early-career professional — this is your opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired.
Built on History. Fueled by Pride.
Friday, August 29
2025 Commissioner’s Welcome Reception
& Kick-Off Luncheon presented by FPL
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Address:
Jungle Island – Bloom Ballroom
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
Time: 11am
Join community leaders, corporate partners, and HBCU supporters for the 2025 Commissioner’s Welcome Reception & Kick-Off Luncheon presented by FPL — a premier OBC Week tradition. Hosted by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert, III, this annual gathering brings together the heart of South Florida with distinguished guests from across the country to celebrate unity, excellence, and the spirit of the Orange Blossom Classic.
Enjoy a curated culinary experience, dynamic speakers, and exciting entertainment — all as we officially kick off Labor Day Weekend in style.
Bethune-Cookman vs. FIU
Part of the OBC “One Big Community” Celebration
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Address:
Pitbull Stadium (South Dade Kia Field)
11310 SW 17th St.
Miami, FL 33199
Time: Kickoff at 7:00 PM
Join FIU and the Orange Blossom Classic on Friday, August 29th, as Bethune-Cookman University takes on the FIU Panthers in a high-energy matchup celebrating football, family, and community pride. This game also marks Coach Willie Simmons’ inaugural appearance as Head Coach of FIU — and you’re invited to be a part of history!
As part of the OBC’s One Big Community celebration, fans can enjoy premium 50-yard line seats for just $10(Regular Price: $24). The discount will automatically apply at checkout.
Be sure to check out FIU’s gameday policies before heading to the stadium: go.fiu.edu/gamedaypolicies
🎟️ Questions? Call (305) FIU-GAME or email [email protected]
5th Annual Denim Party – Hosted by Lance Gross & DJ Demp
Presented by Spase Jenkins Entertainment in partnership with the Orange Blossom Classic
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Address:
Kings Room, 901 Hallandale Beach Blvd
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Time: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Kick off Orange Blossom Classic weekend with style at the 5th Annual Denim Party — one of the most anticipated nightlife events of the season. Rock your freshest denim fits and join HBCU alumni, fans, and friends for a high-energy evening of music, dancing, and celebration.
Celebrate HBCU pride, culture, and community as we gear up for a legendary weekend in South Florida.
Saturday, August 30
Tobacco Free Florida Fan Fest
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Location: South Lawn, Hard Rock Stadium
Time: 12pm
The vibes are locked in! The Tobacco Free Florida Fan Fest is the official pre-game turn-up of OBC Weekend — bringing together live entertainment, community celebration, and HBCU pride, all in one place.
Live Performance by Miami’s Own Ball Greezy
Enjoy a full afternoon of music, culture, food trucks, activations, and more — all before Howard takes on FAMU inside Hard Rock Stadium.
This high-energy event is FREE with your game ticket, so come early and rep your school, your city, and your culture!
2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Location: Hard Rock Stadium
Kickoff Time: 4pm
Official Orange Blossom Classic Afterparty
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Location:
La Tropical, 42 NE 25th St., Wynwood, FL
Time: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Keep the energy going after the big game! Join us at the Official OBC Afterparty, where fans, alumni, and partygoers come together to close out the night in true HBCU fashion. Featuring DJs, special guests, and an unforgettable vibe, this is the place to be after the FAMU vs. Howard matchup at Hard Rock Stadium.
Hosted in partnership with Spase Jenkins Entertainment.
Sunday, August 31
The South Florida Sundresses & Linen Day Party 8
Presented by the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
Address:
Pompano Beach Amphitheater
1801 NE 6th St Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Now in its 8th year, The South Florida Sundresses & Linen Day Party is a signature event of the 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic. Hosted by the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., this event blends style, culture, and community for an unforgettable night under the stars.
Put on your best sundress or linen fit and step into a vibe curated just for grown folks. From high-energy DJs to refreshing cocktails and beautiful South Florida scenery, this is how you close out Labor Day Weekend with style and class.
An official OBC event, the Day Party is where HBCU pride meets South Florida elegance.
Built on History. Fueled by Pride.
🎟 Tickets available now at www.sundressesandlinen.com
Facilities
The Hard Rock Stadium Facilities
The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will host the Orange Blossom Classic. We are excited to celebrate this historical event’s legacy in this state of the art entertainment facility.
For details on stadium policies and up to date information as we countdown to game day, please refer to the links provided below.
Parking and Transportation
PARKING CONTACT
Parking Hotline: 305-943-7275 or [email protected]
RIDESHARE DROP-OFF & PICK-UP
Norwood Elementary School allows rideshare pickup and dropoff during Hard Rock Stadium events.
TAXI PICK UP LOCATIONS
Gate 4