Celebration Bowl
2026
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2025 Celebration Bowl: South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M
The 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl brings together two HBCU football champions for the ultimate showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET on ABC. The MEAC Champion South Carolina State Bulldogs face the SWAC Champion Prairie View A&M Panthers in what promises to be an electrifying battle for HBCU football supremacy.
South Carolina State: Back-to-Back MEAC Champions
Head coach Chennis Berry has built a dynasty at South Carolina State, leading the Bulldogs to consecutive undefeated MEAC seasons. SC State clinched their second straight Celebration Bowl berth with a 28-17 road victory over Delaware State. Quarterback William Atkins IV has been masterful, connecting with playmakers like Johnny Jones and Jordan Smith for explosive downfield plays. The Bulldogs defense dominated the turnover battle throughout conference play, forcing key interceptions in crucial moments.
Prairie View A&M: First SWAC Title Since 2009
The Prairie View A&M Panthers delivered one of the biggest stories of the 2025 HBCU season, stunning defending champion Jackson State 23-21 on the road to claim their first SWAC championship since 2009. First-year head coach Tremaine Jackson—who led Valdosta State to the 2024 Division II title game—has transformed the Panthers in just one season. Quarterback Cameron Peters and the physical ground attack powered Prairie View's championship run.
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Complete Guide: 2025 Celebration Bowl
Game Details
- Event: 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl
- Matchup: South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- TV: ABC
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Location: 1 AMB Drive, Atlanta, GA 30313
What Is the Celebration Bowl?
The Celebration Bowl is the annual HBCU national championship game, pitting the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Champion against the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) Champion. Established in 2015, the bowl has become one of college football's premier bowl games, celebrating HBCU excellence both on the field and through legendary halftime band performances.
How to Purchase Celebration Bowl Tickets
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About Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium provides the perfect setting for the Celebration Bowl. The state-of-the-art venue features a retractable roof, ensuring comfortable conditions regardless of weather. The stadium's renowned fan-friendly concession pricing ( hot dogs, sodas, beers) makes gameday affordable for families.
Getting to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Address: 1 AMB Drive, Atlanta, GA 30313
- MARTA: Vine City or GWCC/CNN Center stations (Blue/Green Lines)
- From I-75/85: Exit at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
- Parking: Multiple lots and garages surrounding stadium
- Rideshare: Designated pickup/drop-off areas
Band of the Year Championship
The Band of the Year National Championship takes place Friday, December 12 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, one day before the Celebration Bowl. The top Division I and Division II HBCU marching bands compete for the Band of the Year title. Last year, Florida A&M's Marching 100 and Miles' Purple Marching Machine won the Division I and Division II titles respectively.
Celebration Bowl History
- Established: 2015
- All-Time Series: MEAC leads SWAC 6-3
- Most Wins: North Carolina A&T (4 titles)
- 2024 Champion: Jackson State (defeated South Carolina State)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (since 2017)
Team Profiles
South Carolina State Bulldogs
- Conference: MEAC
- Head Coach: Chennis Berry
- Key Players: QB William Atkins IV, WR Johnny Jones, WR Jordan Smith
- Path to Bowl: Undefeated in MEAC play; defeated Delaware State 28-17
- 2024 Celebration Bowl: Lost to Jackson State
Prairie View A&M Panthers
- Conference: SWAC
- Head Coach: Tremaine Jackson (first year)
- Key Players: QB Cameron Peters, WR Cameron Bonner, K Diego Alfaro
- Path to Bowl: Defeated Jackson State 23-21 in SWAC Championship
- Last SWAC Title: 2009
Follow the Teams
- Celebration Bowl: Official Website
- SC State Athletics: scstatebulldogs.com
- Prairie View A&M Athletics: pvpanthers.com
- MEAC: meacsports.com
- SWAC: swac.org
Frequently Asked Questions: 2025 Celebration Bowl
When is the 2025 Celebration Bowl?
The 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl takes place on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Who is playing in the 2025 Celebration Bowl?
MEAC Champion South Carolina State faces SWAC Champion Prairie View A&M. This is SC State's second consecutive Celebration Bowl appearance and Prairie View's first since the bowl's inception.
What channel is the Celebration Bowl on?
The 2025 Celebration Bowl airs live on ABC at 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
How much are Celebration Bowl tickets?
Ticket prices vary by section and demand. Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers seating at various price points from upper bowl to premium floor sections. Verified resale platforms display all-in pricing with no hidden fees.
What is the Celebration Bowl?
The Celebration Bowl is the HBCU national championship game, featuring the MEAC Champion against the SWAC Champion. Established in 2015, it celebrates HBCU football excellence and culture, including legendary halftime band performances.
Where is the Celebration Bowl played?
The Celebration Bowl is played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The state-of-the-art venue has hosted the game since 2017.
How do I get to Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
MARTA rail provides direct access via Vine City or GWCC/CNN Center stations. The stadium is also accessible via I-75/85. Multiple parking lots surround the venue.
What is the Band of the Year Championship?
The Band of the Year National Championship is held the day before the Celebration Bowl (Friday, December 12) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Top HBCU marching bands compete for Division I and Division II titles.
Who won the 2024 Celebration Bowl?
Jackson State defeated South Carolina State in the 2024 Celebration Bowl. The Tigers represented the SWAC while SC State represented the MEAC.
Is South Carolina State favored?
South Carolina State enters as the experienced team with consecutive Celebration Bowl appearances. However, Prairie View A&M's upset of defending champion Jackson State demonstrates their championship capability.
When did Prairie View A&M last win the SWAC?
Prairie View A&M's 2025 SWAC Championship is their first conference title since 2009, making this a historic season for the Panthers program under first-year coach Tremaine Jackson.
What time do gates open?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium gates typically open 2-3 hours before kickoff for bowl games. Check official Celebration Bowl communications for specific gate times.
Can I bring bags to Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium enforces a clear bag policy. Only small clutch purses or clear plastic bags meeting size requirements are permitted. Check stadium policies before attending.
Is the stadium roof open or closed?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium's retractable roof can be opened or closed depending on weather conditions. December games are typically played with the roof closed for climate control.
What makes HBCU bowl games special?
HBCU bowl games like the Celebration Bowl combine elite football with legendary halftime band performances, creating a unique cultural celebration. The Battle of the Bands tradition makes HBCU games unlike any other college football experience.