Going to the Orange Blossom Classic? Here is the schedule of events leading up to the game
The 2024 Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) between North Carolina Central and Alabama State is set to be one of the preeminent HBCU football games of the season. After being hosted annually between 1933-1978, the event was paused before being brought back in 2021.
While the game will be the main attraction for many fans, the OBC will also be hosting other events throughout the week leading up to kickoff. Fans can also purchase tickets at orangeblossomclassic.com.
Those wanting to support Black-owned restaurants in South Florida can visit some of the listed places under the events section.
Events
Welcome Reception & Kickoff Luncheon
▪ When: Friday, 11 a.m.
▪ Where: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami.
▪ Information: The Welcome Reception & Kickoff Luncheon will honor a number of HBCU alumni while also raising money for the OBC scholarship program, which will select students from Alabama State and North Carolina Central.
Stompdown
▪ When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
▪ Where: Charles F. Dodge Center, 601 City Ctr Way, Pembroke Pines.
▪ Information: The Stompdown is the country’s largest touring step show contest. The show includes step teams from elementary all the way to college teams from across the country.
▪ Tickets: ticketmaster.com/event/0D006073BE842CFA
3rd annual Denim Party
▪ When: Friday, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
▪ Where: Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Drive, Suite 102 Miami Gardens.
Tobacco Free 5k Run
▪ When: Saturday, 7 a.m.
▪ Where: 3000 NW 199th St., Miami Gardens, FL 33056
▪ Information: Sign up for $42 dollars to take part in this 5K race, an event designed to promote healthy living in Florida’s communities. Vendor booths, snacks and beverages will be present to help runners replenish energy before and after the run.
▪ Registration: runsignup.com/Race/FL/MiamiGardens/TobaccoFreeFlorida5K
Battle of the Bands
▪ When: Saturday. Doors open at 5 p.m. Event starts at 6.
▪ Where: Watsco Center, 1245 Dauer Dr., Coral Gables.
▪ Information: Local high school marching bands will compete other to see who is the best in South Florida. After that, the Alabama State University “Mighty Marching Hornets” and North Carolina Central’s “Sound Machine” will go blow-for-blow to compete for bragging rights.
Gameday Fan Fest
▪ When: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
▪ Where: Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Dr, Miami Gardens.
▪ Information: Rap artist, and former Alabama State basketball player, 2 Chainz will be performing live at Hard Rock Stadium. Admission to Fan Fest is free with a game ticket, and there will be food trucks, pep rallies and more.
▪ Tickets: ticketmaster.com/event/0D00603785910F6C
Places to eat
▪ Name: Lorna’s Caribbean & American Grill
Location: 19752 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens
Number: (305) 623-9760
Website: lornascaribbean.com
▪ Name: Jackson Soul Food
Location: 950 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami
Number: (305) 374-7661
Website: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonSoulFood950/
▪ Name: Savor Wynwood
Location: 4401 NW Second Ave., Miami
Number: (305) 766-6107
Website: www.savorwynwood.com
▪ Name: Red Rooster Overtown
Location: 920 NW Second Ave., Miami
Number: (305) 640-9880
Website: redroosterovertown.com/
▪ Name:. Moore Fire Grill
Location: 6291 W Sample Road, Coral Springs
Number: (954) 281-2272
Website: Moorefiregrill.com
▪ Name:. Lil Greenhouse Grill
Location: 1300 NW Third Ave., Miami
Website: www.lilgreenhousegrill.com/
▪ Name: Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen
Location: 316 NW 24th St., Miami
Number: (786) 334-5150
Website: Dukunoojamaicankitchen.com
▪ Name: Delish Caribbean Restaurant
Location: 171 S. State Road 7, Margate
Number: (954) 933-3052
Website: www.delishcaribbean.com
▪ Name: Crabman 305
Location: 2006 Opa-locka Blvd., Opa-locka
Number: (786) 444-3157
Website: crabman-305.com/
▪ Name: Class Soiree Steakhouse.
Location: 121 N. 20th Ave., Hollywood
Number: (786) 290-7295
Website: classsoireesteakhouse.com/
▪ Name: Chef Rose Jamaican Cuisine
Location: 8308 W Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, 33351
Number: (954) 999-5371
Website: www.facebook.com/chefrose.jamaicancuisine/
▪ Name: LowHaa Natural Juices & Healthy Foods
Location: 5672 Washington St., Hollywood
Website: www.lowhaa.com
▪ Name: Smitty’s Wings
Location: 1134 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale
Number: (954) 900-4425
Website: www.smittyssistrunk.com/
▪ Name: Studio 183 Lounge
Location: 230 NW 183rd St., Miami
Number: (305) 974-5599
Website: www.studio183lounge.com/
▪ Name: The Krazy Vegan
Location: 645 W Hallandale Beach Blvd. Suite 111, Hallandale Beach
Number: (305) 475-7299
Website: thekrazyvegan.com/
▪ Name: YOT
Location: 2015 SW 20th St., Fort Lauderdale
Number: (954) 953-9000
Website: yotlmc.com/
▪ Name: Sheee Weeee Brunch
Location: 16909 NW 4th Ave, Miami, FL 33169
Number: (754) 251-7098
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/sheeeweeee_brunch/
▪ Name: Sunday’s Eatery
Location: 18367 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Number: (305) 621-9600
Website: https://sundayseatery.com/product-category/seasonings/
▪ Name: Lil Greenhouse Grill
Location: 1300 NW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33136
Number: (786) 277-3582
Website: https://lilgreenhousegrill.com
▪ Name: World’s Famous Souseman Soulfood
Location: 15140 NW 33rd Ave, Opa-locka, FL 33054
Number: (786) 617-6472
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/porksouse01/
▪ Name: The Licking
Location: 12490 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33168
Number: (786) 703-3087
Menu: thelicking.com
▪ Name: Eloise & Earnestine Soul Food
Location: 6781 NW 27th Ave suite c, Miami, FL 33147
Number: (305) 687-7774
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EandESoulFood/
▪ Name: Flavaz Restaurant
Location: 6831 NW 15th Ave, Miami, FL 33147
Number: (305) 735-2914
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/flavaz_305/?hl=en
▪ Name: World Famous House of Mac
Location: 1951 NW 7th Ave Suite 190, Miami, FL 33136
Number: (786) 636-6967
Social Media: houseofmac.com
▪ Name: Smith & Webster Restaurant
Location: 486 NE 167th St, Miami, FL 33162
Number: (305) 333-8272
Website: https://www.smithxwebster.com/contact/
▪ Name: Tightwork Soul and Seafood Grill
Location: 4799 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Number: 786-473-3851
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/tightworkgrill/