LAS VEGAS | The Las Vegas Raiders and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) will present the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic between two storied football programs, Grambling State University and Jackson State University, on October 25, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium.

"We are excited about the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas," VP/Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson said. "This trip will give us an opportunity to bring the Jackson State experience out West. Our student-athletes will get the chance to play in a first-class venue in front of a national audience and showcase our university."

The landmark event will celebrate the rich legacy and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), showcasing one of college football's most storied rivalries. The matchup will mark the 73rd all-time meeting between the two Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) programs. Grambling earned a 41-20 victory in the last meeting on September 21, 2024.

"The Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium are proud to host the HBCU Classic, celebrating the rich legacy, talent, and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities," said Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan. "The Raiders organization has a deep and long-standing connection to HBCU football that dates to the early years of the franchise under Al Davis and includes three Pro Football Hall of Famers from HBCU programs, the first Black quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, the first Black head coach in modern NFL history, and dozens of outstanding players, coaches, and administrators. We eagerly anticipate the pride and passion of HBCU football visiting Las Vegas in October." 

  The first Las Vegas HBCU Classic will extend far beyond the Allegiant Stadium playing field, showcasing two of college football's most celebrated marching bands: Grambling's "World Famed" Tiger Marching Band and Jackson State's internationally renowned "Sonic Boom of the South."

"We are proud to welcome Grambling and Jackson State to Las Vegas in October for this historic HBCU matchup," said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA.  "This game is more than just a competition—it's a celebration of culture, tradition, and community that resonates far beyond the field. We look forward to showcasing the excitement and hospitality Las Vegas has to offer to the teams, alumni, and fans."

The contest marks Grambling's second appearance in the "Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World," following a 2002 matchup against Tennessee State at Sam Boyd Stadium. Grambling's "World Famed" Tiger Marching Band also performed at halftime of a Raiders game during the 2021 season. Jackson State returns for its third visit after facing UNLV in 1975 and 2016. Las Vegas last hosted an HBCU football program on September 2, 2017, when Howard University shocked UNLV as a heavy underdog in one of college football's most stunning upsets.

"We are excited about the opportunity to play in Las Vegas," head coach T.C. Taylor said. "This is a chance for our players to play in a world class stadium in front of a national audience. I can't wait to see Tiger Nation show up in Vegas for the game."

Presales for tickets and fan experience travel packages will go on sale on March 3, offering attendees exclusive opportunities to take in the game and the best of Las Vegas, and the public on sale will begin on March 7. For information on travel packages and tickets, visit allegiantstadium.com/lvhbcuclassic or @lvhbcuclassic on Instagram and X.

Broadcast details, kickoff time, and credential information will be announced at a later date.

The Las Vegas HBCU Classic was created through a strategic partnership between the Las Vegas Raiders, ASM Global, Russ Potts Productions, Inc., and the LVCVA.  This collaboration brings HBCUs to the forefront, celebrating their rich athletic tradition and cultural heritage while showcasing top-tier college football at world-class Allegiant Stadium. 

About Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with positioning Southern Nevada as the undisputed global destination for leisure and business travel and operates the 4.6 million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). With 151,000 hotel rooms and nearly 15 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space in Las Vegas, the LVCVA's mission centers on attracting visitors to the area. The LVCVA also owns the Vegas Loop at Las Vegas Convention Center, designed and operated by The Boring Company, and also owns the Las Vegas Monorail, an elevated 3.9-mile system with seven stops throughout the resort corridor. For more information, go to lvcva.com, visitlasvegas.com, or vegasmeansbusiness.com.

About Allegiant Stadium
Located adjacent to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and home to the Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium is an award-winning global events destination. A state-of-the-art, multipurpose venue with a capacity of 65,000, Allegiant Stadium has hosted world-class music artists such as Garth Brooks, The Rolling Stones, Guns N' Roses, Taylor Swift, and BTS, with more legendary concerts to come. The fully enclosed stadium is also home to the UNLV Rebels football team and has hosted premier sporting events such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, Pac-12 Championship Game, Las Vegas Bowl, and WWE SummerSlam. The venue hosted NFL Pro Bowls in both 2022 and 2023 and Super Bowl LVIII in February of 2024 – the first in Las Vegas history – and will host WrestleMania 41, the 2027 College Football Playoff National Championship, and the 2028 NCAA Men's Final Four. Allegiant Stadium is committed to giving back to the community through numerous diversity, inclusion, and community outreach initiatives. In addition, Allegiant Stadium is proud to be both LEED Gold certified and powered by 100% Nevada-sourced renewable energy and is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices and programs. For more information on Allegiant Stadium, visit allegiantstadium.com or follow us at @allegiantstadm on X and @allegiantstadium on Instagram.

Follow Jackson State Athletics
For complete coverage of Jackson State athletics, follow the Tigers on social media at @GoJSUTigers (Instagram and Twitter), Jackson State Tigers (Facebook), or visit the official home of Jackson State athletics at GoJSUTigers.com.