2 Alabama HBCUs set to compete in 2027 Battle of the Bands
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A pair of Alabama HBCU marching bands are headed to the 2027 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) this coming MLK Weekend.
Miles College’s Purple Marching Machine and Alabama State’s Mighty Marching Hornets will make the trip to Palm Beach, Florida to compete on Jan. 16, 2027.
Last year, Miles College notched its second national title in a row when it won the ESPN 2025 Red Lobster HBCU Division II Band of the Year championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
2027 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands
The two Alabama HBCUs are two of five marching bands already confirmed to be competing in the event. The others include:
- Bethune-Cookman University, The Marching Wildcats
- Edward Waters University, Triple Threat Marching Band
- Florida A&M University, The Marching “100”
“Bringing these incredible programs together in The Palm Beaches represents everything the National Battle of the Bands was created to celebrate: the talent, tradition, excellence and cultural influence of HBCU marching bands.”
Derek Webber, Creator and Executive Producer of the National Battle of the Bands and CEO of Webber Marketing
In addition to the Battle of the Bands on Saturday, the weekend will include an entrepreneur conference, jobs fair and fan experience.
You can find more details on the full event + buy tickets on the National Battle of the Bands website.
