TORRANCE, Calif. – The Honda Battle of the Bands, an event showcasing HBCU marching bands, will make its West Coast debut at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Feb. 1, 2025. For the first time, six of the best HBCU marching bands will perform live at this celebrated event.
Tickets for the showcase will go on sale on May 15 and can be purchased at www.hondabattleofthebands.com.
“Honda is proud to support HBCU students by offering them platforms like the Honda Battle of the Bands,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This event not only showcases the bands’ talents but also brings attention to the legacy of HBCU schools.”
When voting opens on July 15, 2024, fans will vote on which bands take the stage. HBOB fans, HBCU band directors, students, and Honda representatives will all participate in the selection process.
Christy Castillo Butcher, the senior vice president of Booking and Programming for SoFi Stadium, is excited about the venue hosting the event. “We’re ready to put these students’ talents on display and celebrate their music and culture on our global stage,” said Butcher.
Inglewood, a city known for hosting major sports and entertainment events, looks forward to adding the Honda Battle of the Bands to its roster. “We’re excited to host these talented musicians and the entire HBOB community,” said Mayor James T. Butts. “It’s a chance for Inglewood to cheer on a new group of champions.”
Honda has supported HBCUs for 35 years, providing more than $14 million in grants for education and facilities, benefiting over 300,000 students. The company also recently pledged a $500,000 grant to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to help HBCU music students with scholarships.
