SoFi Stadium Erupts as HBCU Bands Bring Unmatched Energy to the West Coast

SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, became the epicenter of HBCU culture as six powerhouse marching bands delivered electrifying performances at the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands – marking the event’s historic West Coast debut.

The Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon & White Band (MMW) stood tall, joining top-tier HBCU bands for an afternoon of show-stopping music, precision drills, and high-energy pageantry.

A Star-Studded Affair

The event was brimming with celebrity energy, with Nick Cannon commanding the crowd as the event's host and GloRilla delivering a powerhouse closing performance. Meanwhile, California DJ R-Tistic kept the vibe alive, hyping up students, alumni, and HBCU supporters with a mix of classic and contemporary hits. A roaming camera captured unforgettable moments in the stands, and comedy icon Cedric the Entertainer introduced a tribute to Stevie Wonder.

A Battle of Sound and Spirit

Since its launch in 2003, the Honda Battle of the Bands has served as an ultimate showcase for HBCU marching bands, celebrating their musical excellence, rich traditions, and undeniable swagger. The 2025 edition continued that legacy with a thrilling lineup:

• Hampton University kicked off the night after securing over 600,000 fan votes.
• A high-energy battle between Southern University's “Human Jukebox” and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff “M4 Band” had the crowd on its feet.
• Then came the highly anticipated showdown between Alabama A&M and North Carolina A&T, a head-to-head clash that left the crowd cheering.

Honoring Tradition and Legacy

Before the battles began, the event paid tribute to HBCU excellence with a Legacy Pregame Show, spotlighting the history and impact of the participating schools. Honda also presented $50,000 to each participating band, to support music programs and student scholarships. AAMU VP of Student Affairs, Dr. Braque Talley, joined Director of Bands Carlton Wright to represent Alabama A&M on the field. And there was plenty of Maroon & White represented throughout the stadium.

To end the pregame show, all six bands joined to form perform “Lift Every Voice & Sing” and the national anthem in the formation of “HBCU,” creating a powerful moment of unity and pride.

A Night to Remember

The 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands cemented its status as a homecoming for HBCU marching bands, bringing together more than 1,500 student musicians in a spectacle of sound, movement, and tradition. This year's event also included a Retail District and a Black College Expo, in which AAMU also took part  

With the event’s first-ever West Coast edition a resounding success, anticipation is already building for the 2026 location, which has yet to be announced. One thing is certain – wherever the next battle takes place, the spirit of HBCU excellence will continue to shine.

You can watch the performances here.