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Nick Cannon To Host Honda's 2025 Battle Of The Bands At SoFi Stadium In LA
Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) has announced its full lineup for the 2025 event, with Nick Cannon set to host. The showcase will take place on February 1, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Tickets are now available at www.hondabattleofthebands.com.
The final two bands selected by fans to perform are Hampton University and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. These bands join Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, North Carolina A&T University, and Southern University in the lineup.
Nick Cannon, known for his role in the film "Drumline," will serve as the celebrity host for HBOB’s first West Coast show. Cannon expressed his excitement: "Hosting HBOB’s first-ever West Coast show is an honour. We’re going to create unforgettable moments together."
In addition to hosting duties, Cannon highlighted the cultural significance of HBCU marching bands: "Honda Battle of the Bands has been a cherished celebration for fans of HBCU marching bands, resonating deeply with generations who hold Black culture close to their hearts."
This year’s band selection process included a public voting phase. Fans could vote daily from July 16 through August 15 to determine the final two bands from a roster of 52 eligible schools. The top two bands were awarded spots in the HBOB 2025 lineup.
Earlier in July, North Carolina A&T University and Southern University were chosen by the Honda Legacy Council. Each then challenged another HBCU band: North Carolina A&T chose Alabama A&M University, while Southern selected Alabama State University.
Support for HBCUs
Honda continues its long-standing support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Each participating school will receive an institutional grant for their music education programs and travel expenses to Los Angeles. All 52 bands involved in the voting process will also get an HBOB Legacy Grant from Honda.
Jasmine Cockfield from American Honda Motor Co., Inc., stated: "We congratulate each of this year’s participating HBCU bands and are confident that they will put on a memorable show for HBOB fans that promises to be a showcase for the ages."
Additional Event Highlights
The event will also feature the National College Resources Foundation’s (NCRF) annual Black College Expo™ at SoFi Stadium before HBOB on February 1. Over 200 colleges will participate, offering more than $10 million in scholarships. Students can even gain on-the-spot acceptance to select colleges and HBCUs.
NCRF founder Dr. Theresa Price shared her enthusiasm: "We are so excited to partner with Honda Battle of the Bands, changing lives by providing access and opportunities to higher education." More details can be found at www.blackcollegeexpo.com.
About SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium is home to both the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. It is located at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California. The stadium seats around 70,000 people but can expand up to 100,000 seats. It has hosted major events like Super Bowl LVI and WrestleMania in 2023.
The venue is set to host eight FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 and Super Bowl LXI in 2027. It will also be the site for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in 2028.
NCRF's Mission
The National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) was founded in 1999 with a mission to reduce high school dropout rates and increase college enrollment among underserved students. NCRF has helped over 600,000 students gain college admission and secured more than $5 billion in scholarships.
NCRF aims to close educational achievement gaps and end racial inequality through its various initiatives. The organisation plans to open an HT Satellite campus in California by Spring 2025 through collaboration with Huston-Tillotson University.
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