Bulldogs to Face Panthers at Iconic Home of the Chicago Cubs
Alabama A&M to Compete in First HBCU Baseball Classic at Wrigley Field
For the first time in history, two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),
Prairie View A&M University and Alabama A&M University, will face off at Chicago's
historic Wrigley Field, the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs.
The Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic will debut on May 2, 2026 as a celebration of culture,
legacy, and the game of baseball. The event brings together the athletic excellence
of HBCU baseball programs in a historic matchup before thousands of fans. Game day
at Wrigley Field will also feature marching band performances and fan activations
celebrating HBCU tradition.
In addition to the game, organizers are planning youth clinics, educational programming,
and community-centered events at partner locations throughout Chicago in the days
surrounding the Classic. Inspired by the longstanding tradition of HBCU Football Classics,
the event is expected to draw alumni, families, and baseball fans from across the
region.
“Our mission is to elevate the next generation of talent and expand opportunity in
Black baseball. With the support of the Chicago Cubs, bringing this Classic to Wrigley
Field allows us to build a baseball tradition that mirrors the decades-long impact
of the Chicago Football Classic - ensuring HBCUs remain a vibrant part of Chicago's
sports DNA,” said Earnest Horton, CEO of Black Baseball Media and organizer of the
Classic.
“The first-ever HBCU game at Wrigley Field is a historic milestone for Chicago and
for the future of baseball,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Wrigley Field is the only
ballpark where Jackie Robinson played that still stands today, making it a powerful
place to write the next chapter of Black baseball history. This event honors the legacy
of African Americans in the sport while inspiring young people across our city to
see themselves in baseball, in higher education, and in leadership.”
Learn more and get free tickets here.