The Cricket Celebration Bowl: The HBCU National Championship
The Cricket Celebration Bowl stands as the pinnacle of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football, serving as the de facto national championship for Black college football. Since its inception in 2015, the bowl has become one of the most anticipated events in college football, celebrating not just athletic excellence but the rich heritage, culture, and tradition of HBCUs across America.
Origins and Historical Context
The Celebration Bowl represents the latest—and most successful—iteration of efforts to crown a Black college football national champion. The game is a successor to two previous bowl games between the MEAC and SWAC: the Pelican Bowl and the Heritage Bowl.
The Pelican Bowl, played three times in the 1970s (1972, 1974, and 1975) in New Orleans, was the first attempt to match the champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). However, low attendance led to the bowl’s demise after just three editions, with the SWAC winning all three contests.
The Heritage Bowl revived the concept from 1991 to 1999, initially played in Florida before settling at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta from 1994 onward. While the Heritage Bowl had more staying power than its predecessor, it faced significant challenges. Conference champions often opted for the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) playoffs instead, meaning the bowl frequently featured second or third seeds rather than true champions. The SWAC won six of nine Heritage Bowl contests before the game folded in 1999.
The Celebration Bowl was first announced in March 2015 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, organized by ESPN Events, which also runs the MEAC/SWAC Challenge held over Labor Day weekend. Unlike its predecessors, the Celebration Bowl has successfully secured commitments from both conference champions, ensuring the game truly determines the HBCU national champion.
The Inaugural Game and Early Years
The first Celebration Bowl was played on December 19, 2015, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, featuring North Carolina A&T against Alcorn State. In a thrilling contest, North Carolina A&T’s Tarik Cohen (later a Pro Bowl running back for the Chicago Bears) rushed for 295 yards, including a game-winning 74-yard touchdown run with 4:17 remaining, leading the Aggies to a 41-34 victory. The inaugural game drew 35,528 fans and was broadcast nationally on ABC, setting the stage for what would become an annual tradition.
The first two Celebration Bowls (2015–2016) were hosted at the historic Georgia Dome. In 2017, the game moved to the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, where it has been played ever since. The modern amenities, better sightlines, and central Atlanta location have helped cement the game as a must-attend event for MEAC and SWAC fanbases.
Sponsorship History
The Celebration Bowl was sponsored by the Air Force Reserve for three playings: 2015, 2016, and 2018. The 2017 edition was played without a title sponsor before the Air Force Reserve returned in 2018.
On December 9, 2020, Cricket Wireless signed on as title sponsor of the game, formally making it the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Cricket Wireless has remained the title sponsor through the present day, providing stability and enhanced support for the event.
Conference Affiliations and Team Selection
The Celebration Bowl features the conference champions from the MEAC and SWAC, the two prominent conferences of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
For the MEAC, the regular-season champion receives the automatic bid to the Celebration Bowl. The MEAC regular season champion is the team that finishes with the best conference record. The MEAC dropped its automatic bid to the FCS playoffs in order to send its champion to the Celebration Bowl.
For the SWAC, the process has evolved over the years. In June 2017, the SWAC announced that it would discontinue the SWAC Championship Game following the 2017 playing, resulting in the SWAC regular season champion automatically qualifying for the Celebration Bowl. However, in June 2018, the SWAC reversed course and continues to hold its championship game, with the winner advancing to the Celebration Bowl. The SWAC Championship Game pits the winners of the SWAC East and SWAC West divisions against each other, typically one week before the Celebration Bowl.
Because the Celebration Bowl takes place during the FCS playoff tournament, neither the SWAC nor the MEAC can send their champion to the tournament. This represents a trade-off both conferences have accepted in exchange for the financial benefits, national exposure, and cultural celebration the Celebration Bowl provides.
The 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl
The 2025 Celebration Bowl was played on December 13, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The tenth annual edition featured the South Carolina State Bulldogs, champions of the MEAC, against the Prairie View A&M Panthers, champions of the SWAC. The game began at noon EST and aired on ABC.
South Carolina State defeated Prairie View A&M in quadruple overtime by a score of 40-38, delivering one of the most dramatic finishes in HBCU football history. The game was decided on a controversial two-point conversion in the fourth overtime period, with officials upholding the ruling after review despite replays appearing to show the ball short of the goal line.
For South Carolina State, this marked their third Celebration Bowl appearance, having previously played in 2021 (a victory over Jackson State) and 2024 (a loss to Jackson State). The Bulldogs’ 2025 championship represents their second Celebration Bowl title.
Prairie View A&M was making its first-ever Celebration Bowl appearance, becoming the first team west of Louisiana to participate in the game. The Panthers qualified by defeating Jackson State 23-21 in the 2025 SWAC Championship Game, ending Jackson State’s hopes of a Celebration Bowl three-peat.
After starting quarterback William Atkins IV exited with an injury, backup Ryan Stubblefield entered and immediately steadied the South Carolina State offense. Stubblefield showed poise in every critical moment, leading the Bulldogs through the comeback and all four overtime periods. He was later named Celebration Bowl MVP for his performance.
Jordan Smith was South Carolina State’s most reliable weapon, catching nine passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Despite the loss, Prairie View A&M quarterback Cameron Peters produced one of the most prolific outings in Celebration Bowl history, completing 24 of 36 passes for 412 yards and four touchdowns. The Panthers finished with 436 passing yards and 491 total yards in the high-scoring affair.
The 2024 Celebration Bowl
The 2024 Celebration Bowl was played on December 14, 2024, featuring South Carolina State and Jackson State. Jackson State defeated South Carolina State 28-7 in a dominant performance. This marked Jackson State’s first Celebration Bowl victory in three appearances, and their fourth national championship in school history—the first since 1996.
Jackson State quarterback Jacobian Morgan threw for 219 yards and one touchdown, while running back Irv Mulligan paced the rushing attack with 71 yards and two touchdowns. The Tigers’ defense was particularly impressive, holding South Carolina State to just 16 rushing yards on 18 attempts while forcing five three-and-outs. Jackson State outgained the Bulldogs 367 yards to 135 in total offense.
The victory marked consecutive Celebration Bowl wins for the SWAC and capped a stellar season for second-year head coach T.C. Taylor, a Jackson State alum who took over after Deion Sanders departed for Colorado following the 2022 season.
Attendance and Viewership
The Celebration Bowl has consistently drawn strong attendance and television viewership, demonstrating the significant interest in HBCU football. The 2021 and 2022 editions featuring Deion Sanders’ Jackson State teams attracted over 48,000 fans to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, representing the highest-attended games in the bowl’s history. Much of the crowd came to see Shedeur Sanders (now the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback) and Travis Hunter (Heisman Trophy finalist), both of whom played for Jackson State during that era.
The 2024 game drew 36,823 fans, while the inaugural 2015 contest attracted 35,528 spectators at the Georgia Dome. Attendance has generally trended upward since the move to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the modern facility’s amenities and location contributing to the game’s appeal.
Television viewership has been equally impressive. The 2024 Celebration Bowl peaked at 2.6 million viewers with an average of 2.1 million viewers on ABC. The game has become one of the highest-rated FCS football broadcasts annually, providing invaluable national exposure for HBCU programs and their student-athletes.
Bowl Week Experience and Cultural Celebration
The Celebration Bowl is more than just a football game—it’s a week-long celebration of HBCU culture, tradition, and excellence. Teams typically arrive in Atlanta several days before the game, participating in community events, pep rallies, and activities throughout the city.
One of the signature events is the Band of the Year National Championship, held one day before the Celebration Bowl. Since its inception, this competition has featured bands from the top two Division I HBCUs and the top two Division II HBCUs competing for the Band of the Year title. HBCU marching bands, known for their high-energy performances and elaborate routines, are an integral part of the Black college football experience, and this competition has become a beloved tradition in its own right.
Game day at Mercedes-Benz Stadium features extensive pre-game festivities, including performances from HBCU bands, step shows from Greek organizations, and celebrations of HBCU traditions. The halftime show, featuring both schools’ marching bands, often rivals the game itself in terms of spectacle and entertainment value. Following the game, the “5th Quarter” allows both bands to perform extended shows for fans who remain in the stadium, continuing a cherished HBCU football tradition.
Historic Performances and Memorable Moments
The Celebration Bowl has produced numerous unforgettable performances and thrilling finishes throughout its ten-year history. Through the first nine completed games (2015-2024), the average margin of victory was less than five points, showcasing the competitive balance between the two conferences.
Tarik Cohen’s 295-yard rushing performance in the inaugural 2015 game remains one of the most dominant individual performances in bowl history. The 2016 Celebration Bowl came down to a blocked extra point attempt following a potential game-tying touchdown, with Grambling State holding on for a 10-9 victory over North Carolina Central.
The 2025 game’s four-overtime thriller joins the list of instant classics, with its controversial ending ensuring it will be remembered and debated for years to come. The game reinforced why the Celebration Bowl has become the crown jewel of HBCU football.
Several future NFL players have showcased their talents in the Celebration Bowl, including Tarik Cohen (Chicago Bears), Cobie Durant (Los Angeles Rams cornerback, who was defensive MVP of the 2021 game), and Shedeur Sanders, who played in the 2021 and 2022 editions for Jackson State.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Celebration Bowl has become a significant economic engine for Atlanta and an important cultural asset for HBCU communities nationwide. John T. Grant, president and CEO of the Celebration Bowl, has emphasized that the game serves as an annual championship while creating a cultural asset for HBCU alumni, fans, and anyone who appreciates quality college football.
The game generates millions of dollars in economic impact for the Atlanta area through hotel stays, restaurant visits, and other tourism-related spending. Beyond the direct economic benefits, the Celebration Bowl provides participating schools with substantial payouts—up to $1 million per conference to distribute to champions and member institutions—helping support athletic departments and student-athletes at schools that often operate with limited budgets compared to their FBS counterparts.
Perhaps more importantly, the Celebration Bowl has helped elevate the profile of HBCU football on a national stage. The prime-time exposure on ABC, the partnership with ESPN Events, and the cultural celebration surrounding the game have brought renewed attention to the excellence and tradition of Black college football. The success of the Celebration Bowl has contributed to increased enrollment inquiries, enhanced fundraising opportunities, and greater visibility for HBCU institutions overall.
All-Time Records and Statistics
Through ten completed games (2015-2025), the MEAC holds a 6-4 series lead over the SWAC in Celebration Bowl contests. This represents a reversal from the historical dominance the SWAC enjoyed in the Pelican Bowl (3-0) and Heritage Bowl (6-3) eras.
North Carolina A&T has the most Celebration Bowl victories with four championships (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019), establishing themselves as the most successful program in the game’s history. The Aggies appeared in five consecutive Celebration Bowls from 2015-2019, an unprecedented run of sustained excellence.
Alcorn State and Jackson State have each made three appearances for the SWAC. South Carolina State has also appeared three times (2021, 2024, 2025), winning twice. Other multiple-time participants include Grambling State and Florida A&M, each with two appearances.
The MEAC/SWAC Challenge Connection
The Celebration Bowl is part of a broader strategic partnership between the MEAC and SWAC conferences, facilitated by ESPN Events. The MEAC/SWAC Challenge, played annually on Labor Day weekend, serves as the season-opening showcase for HBCU football and has become one of the most-watched regular season FCS games each year.
Together, these events bookend the HBCU football season, with the Labor Day Challenge launching the campaign and the Celebration Bowl providing the championship climax. This strategic positioning has helped maintain year-round interest in HBCU football and has created valuable content for ESPN’s platforms while providing both conferences with significant financial benefits and national exposure.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the Celebration Bowl has been tremendously successful, it has faced some challenges. The decision to participate in the Celebration Bowl rather than the FCS playoffs has been debated within the HBCU community. Critics argue that MEAC and SWAC teams should have the opportunity to compete for the overall FCS national championship, potentially proving themselves against programs from other conferences.
Supporters counter that the Celebration Bowl provides greater financial benefits, better exposure, and a more culturally relevant championship experience than a deep FCS playoff run would offer. The guaranteed payout and national ABC broadcast provide tangible benefits that uncertain playoff revenue cannot match. Additionally, the Celebration Bowl celebrates HBCU culture and tradition in ways the standard FCS playoff structure cannot replicate.
The 2024 edition was the first to be played under the newly revamped College Football Playoff schedule, which shifted the Celebration Bowl up by a week. This created some debate, as the MEAC champion had an additional two weeks to prepare compared to the SWAC champion, who had just played in their conference championship game the previous weekend. Despite these concerns, the game thrived with strong attendance and record-breaking viewership.
Looking Ahead
As the Celebration Bowl enters its second decade, the game has firmly established itself as an essential part of the college football landscape. The partnership with Cricket Wireless has provided sponsorship stability, while the relationship with ESPN Events and ABC ensures continued national exposure.
The success of the Celebration Bowl has coincided with a broader renaissance in HBCU athletics. High-profile coaching hires like Deion Sanders at Jackson State (2020-2022), increased media attention, enhanced facilities investments, and growing student-athlete interest in HBCU programs have all contributed to elevated visibility for Black college sports. The Celebration Bowl sits at the center of this movement, providing an annual platform to showcase HBCU excellence.
Future opportunities include potential expansion of bowl week festivities, enhanced partnerships with corporate sponsors, and continued growth in attendance and viewership. Some have discussed the possibility of rotating the game to other cities, though Atlanta’s central location, strong HBCU alumni presence, and excellent facilities make it the ideal home for the foreseeable future.
The tenth anniversary of the Celebration Bowl in 2025 marked a milestone moment, celebrating a decade of championship football and cultural celebration. With strong leadership, enthusiastic fan support, and the backing of major corporate and media partners, the Celebration Bowl is positioned to continue serving as the premier showcase for HBCU football excellence for many years to come.
The Cricket Celebration Bowl represents far more than a football game—it is a celebration of history, culture, tradition, and excellence. From its roots in the Pelican Bowl and Heritage Bowl through its establishment as the premier HBCU championship event, the Celebration Bowl has fulfilled its mission to honor the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities while showcasing elite football competition.
For the student-athletes, coaches, bands, alumni, and fans who participate each December in Atlanta, the Celebration Bowl provides an unforgettable experience that connects past and present, celebrating everything that makes HBCU football special. As the only active bowl game featuring FCS programs, the Celebration Bowl occupies a unique position in college football, serving both as a championship event and as a cultural touchstone.
Whether it’s a quadruple-overtime thriller, a defensive slugfest, or a high-scoring shootout, the Celebration Bowl consistently delivers compelling football and meaningful celebration. As long as HBCUs continue to play football at the Division I level, the Celebration Bowl will remain the ultimate goal—the chance to be crowned HBCU national champion and to represent the rich tradition of Black college football on college football’s biggest stage.