Schools Announced For National Battle Of The Bands Taking Place In Houston

8 schools will showcase their musical talents August 23 at NRG Stadium

The next National Battle of the Bands will occur in Houston on August 23 at NRG Stadium.

According to HBCU Gameday, Webber Marketing held a press conference. The company is working with the Harris County—Houston Sports Authority and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment to bring the 2025 PEPSI National Battle of the Bands to the audience. This will be the 11th anniversary of the event.

Eight schools will be showcasing the talents of the musicians participating in the National Battle of the Bands.

“The 2025 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands lineup is officially here, and we’re bringing 8 of the most dynamic marching bands in the country to NRG Stadium this August!”

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“Each year, we strive to elevate the platform and the experience,” said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and Executive Producer of the National Battle of the Bands, in a written statement. “NBOTB is more than a performance. It’s a movement that celebrates tradition, talent, and the cultural impact of HBCUs across the country.”

The featured schools are:

Alabama A&M University – Marching Maroon & White
Albany State University – Marching Rams Show Band
Florida A&M University – Marching “100”
Jackson State University – Sonic Boom of the South
Langston University – Marching Pride Band
North Carolina A&T State University – Blue & Gold Marching Machine
Prairie View A&M University – Marching Storm
Texas Southern University – “Ocean of Soul”

The event will include several functions for the community outside of and in conjunction with the NBOTB.

2025 NBOTB Weekend Highlights Include:

Emerging Experience Entrepreneur Conference: Powered by JPMorgan Chase, connecting innovators and small business leaders. Free with registration.
Fan Experience (Saturday, August 23 at NRG Center from 12:00 – 3:30 p.m.):
A free, community-focused event that brings the energy of the NBOTB weekend to life. The Fan Experience houses the following major activations:
The Pepsi Experience: An interactive experience with national artist performances, live entertainment, and a vibrant marketplace of vendors and partners.
HBCU College & Career Fair: A resource-rich event that connects students with HBCUs and career opportunities through admissions info, on-site reps, and more.
Stroll Off Competition: A dynamic showcase of step and stroll culture, celebrating Black Greek Letter Organizations and HBCU tradition.
NBOTB Cares Community Outreach: Giving back through initiatives such as Feeding the Homeless and youth engagement.

For information about the event, people can head to the website at www.nationalbattleofthebands.com. Info is also available via social media: @NationalBattleOfTheBands on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. @NationalBOTB on Twitter.