As the Peach State capital gears up for another electric weekend of gridiron glory, all eyes in the South – and beyond – are turning to downtown Atlanta.
On Saturday, December 13, the 10th annual Cricket Celebration Bowl takes center stage at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, pitting two powerhouse Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) against each other in a battle for the HBCU National Championship.
2025 Celebration Bowl Pits Prairie View vs. South Carolina State
For locals, it’s more than a game; it’s a homecoming that celebrates culture, community, and the unyielding spirit of HBCU football.
This marquee matchup features the South Carolina State Bulldogs, fresh off a dominant MEAC regular-season title, clashing with the Prairie View A&M Panthers, who punched their ticket by claiming the 2025 SWAC Football Championship – their first conference crown since 2009.
Kickoff is set for noon ET, with the action airing live on ABC, ensuring a nationwide audience tunes in to witness history unfold.
For the eighth time in as many years, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host this festive showdown, marking the 10th Celebration Bowl overall in the heart of Atlanta.
A Decade of Legacy and Excitement
Since its inception in 2015, the Celebration Bowl has become the pinnacle of HBCU football, crowning a champion from the champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Organized by ESPN Events in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons and 100 Black Men of Atlanta, the event isn’t just about the scoreboard – it’s a vibrant tapestry of traditions, marching bands, and communal upliftment that generates millions in economic impact for our city.
South Carolina State returns to familiar turf, having last appeared in the Bowl in 2024, where they fell just short in a heartbreaker.
Led by head coach Chennis Berry, named the MEAC Coach of the Year, the Bulldogs boast a high-powered offense that’s been the talk of the conference all season.
Their efficiency on special teams and flawless execution in the kicking game could prove decisive against a Prairie View squad that’s all about balance.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are making their Bowl debut, bringing a fresh underdog energy that’s electrified SWAC fans. Under the guidance of their coaching staff, Prairie View’s explosive plays and stout punting game have turned heads, setting the stage for what promises to be a classic clash of styles: efficiency versus explosiveness.
As one HBCU analyst put it, “It’s experience meets history in the Dome – and Atlanta gets to host the party.”Game-Day Vibes: Bands, Tailgates, and MoreNo Celebration Bowl would be complete without the symphony of HBCU marching bands, and 2025 amps up the spectacle.
The third annual Band of the Year National Championship fires up tonight, Friday, December 12, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, pitting the top two Division I and Division II HBCU bands against each other starting at 7 p.m.
Expect thunderous drumlines, intricate step routines, and enough school spirit to shake the Georgia Dome’s foundations (if it were still standing).
For Atlanta faithful, the pre-game festivities kick into high gear early. South Carolina State alumni are hosting a Bulldog Meet & Greet tonight from 6-11 p.m., complete with food, music, and networking – a perfect warm-up for out-of-towners flooding into town.
Tailgating zones around the stadium will buzz with barbecue, bounce houses, and fan zones courtesy of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, who continue their tradition of community enrichment through youth mentorship events tied to the Bowl.
Tickets are still available via Ticketmaster, with prices starting around $50 for upper-level seats – a steal for the energy inside these walls.
Pro tip for locals: Arrive early via MARTA to beat the traffic snarl on Northside Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Stadium policies are standard: Clear bags only, no outside food, and plenty of family-friendly options inside.
Atlanta’s Weather? Mild and Merry
Mother Nature looks to be smiling on game day, with forecasts calling for a crisp but comfortable December afternoon in the A.
Highs should hover around 54°F (12°C) under partly cloudy skies, with lows dipping to the mid-40s°F overnight – ideal for layering up in your team colors without bundling like it’s a Falcons playoff game in January. Rain chances are low (under 20%), so those band performances and post-game street parties should stay dry. Just in case, keep that Falcons poncho handy from last season’s opener.
Why Atlanta Owns This Moment
In a city that’s hosted Super Bowls, Final Fours, and endless SEC showdowns, the Celebration Bowl stands out as uniquely ours – a beacon for Black excellence that draws 30,000-plus fans annually and spotlights the HBCU legacy that shaped legends like James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams.
Looking for places to eat in Atlanta? Check out our Downtown Atlanta Dining Guide.
As the Panthers and Bulldogs take the field, they’ll do so under the glow of a stadium that embodies Atlanta’s bold vision, right in the shadow of our bustling downtown skyline.
Tune in, show up, or stream it – but don’t miss the magic. The 2025 Celebration Bowl isn’t just football; it’s family, it’s fire, and it’s forever Atlanta. Who ya got? Sound off in the comments below, and we’ll see you at the Dome.