Honda Battle of the Bands at SoFi Stadium, Feb 2025

The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) is set to take place on February 1, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, marking the event's first showcase on the West Coast. This year, fans participated in an online voting process to select the final two bands, resulting in Hampton University and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff joining the lineup. The full lineup includes six HBCU marching bands, each receiving institutional grants from Honda to support their music education programs and travel expenses. Nick Cannon, known for his role in the film 'Drumline,' has been announced as the celebrity host for the event. Honda has a long-standing commitment to supporting HBCUs, having awarded over $14 million in grants to enhance educational programs and facilities for more than 300,000 students. The event not only celebrates the rich culture of HBCU marching bands but also aims to foster community engagement and support for music education. In conjunction with HBOB, the National College Resources Foundation will host the annual Black College Expo at SoFi Stadium, featuring over 200 colleges and offering more than $10 million in scholarships. This collaboration highlights Honda's dedication to educational opportunities for HBCU students and its efforts to bridge gaps in educational achievement and economic disparities. The event promises to be a memorable celebration of Black culture and music, resonating with generations of fans. Honda's initiatives, including HBOB, are part of a broader strategy to recruit talent and create sustainable partnerships with HBCUs, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the community and the workforce.