PepsiCo’s Enhanced Tailgating Experience Kicked Off the Orange Blossom Classic Gameday

This past weekend, PepsiCo elevated the annual Orange Blossom Classic Gameday Fan Fest, which took place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL, with electrifying one-of-a-kind performances at the Pepsi Zero Sugar Sound Stage featuring appearances from the legendary Jermaine Dupri on the turntables and performances from r&b sensation 702 and singer Sevyn Streeter. In addition to a captivating show, this event also featured the Doritos Solid Black photo booth, free food from local black-owned restaurants, giveaways, and more.

The 2023 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) weekend affectionally called “The Reunion,” featured the big football game where the Florida A&M University Rattlers (FAMU) took on and beat the Jackson State University Tigers (JSU) 28 – 10.

PepsiCo’s OBC involvement signifies its unwavering dedication for the third consecutive year in supporting and elevating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Gameday Fan Fest, featuring the captivating Pepsi Zero Sugar Sound Stage, provided a vibrant array of performances and engagement avenues. Both Pepsi Zero Sugar and Doritos SOLID BLACK proudly stood by to bolster HBCU students and their community, in harmony with PepsiCo’s overarching pledge to HBCUs.

Kendra Bulluck-Major, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic Committee, voiced her enthusiasm for the collaboration with PepsiCo, highlighting its lasting influence on the HBCU community. Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations and Multicultural Development at PepsiCo North America, reaffirmed their dedication to HBCUs and commemorated their continued engagement in the Orange Blossom Classic for the third consecutive year.

Attendees of the OBC were treated to an extraordinary tailgate bash, commemorating the spirit of togetherness, pride, and excellence embodied by HBCUs. The festivities, commencing at 11 AM at the South Fountain Plaza of Hard Rock Stadium, featured lively entertainment, mouthwatering cuisine, spirited team pep rallies, and a chance for merchandise shopping. It all reached its pinnacle with the exhilarating HBCU football showdown that defines the essence of the Orange Blossom Classic.

In anticipation of the Fan Fest and the marquee game, a series of captivating events unfolded. These included a golf tournament presided over by Hip Hop pioneer Uncle Luke, the Commissioner’s Welcome Reception & Kick-Off Luncheon graced by an enlightening keynote from Emmy-winning Actress Lynn Whitfield. This special occasion paid tribute to accomplished Actress and FAMU Alumna Angela Robinson, accompanied by a riveting live performance by Grammy Nominee Stokley. The event also showcased the Battle of the Bands, Stompdown, Parade, and an array of other activities that elevated the HBCU Reunion Experience at OBC.