Houston, get ready. The 2025 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) is coming back to NRG Stadium, and this year’s theme — “Beyond the Notes | Music Is the Culture” — says it all. This isn’t just about halftime shows; it’s about heritage, hustle, and the heartbeat of HBCUs.
“The National Battle of the Bands has become more than a performance—it’s a platform,” said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and Executive Producer of NBOTB. “Beyond the Notes reflects how these bands influence culture, drive community engagement, and inspire future generations of leaders. And Music Is the Culture pays homage to the icons and traditions that paved the way for HBCU marching bands today.”
The Heavy Hitters: 2025 Lineup
This year’s roster reads like a who’s who of HBCU marching greatness:
- Alabama A&M University – Marching Maroon & White
- Albany State University – Marching Rams Show Band
- Florida A&M University – The Marching “100”
- Jackson State University – Sonic Boom of the South
- Langston University – Marching Pride Band
- North Carolina A&T State University – Blue & Gold Marching Machine
- Prairie View A&M University – Marching Storm
- Texas Southern University – Ocean of Soul
That’s eight bands. Eight powerhouses. Eight reasons why Houston will be on fire Saturday, August 23rd.
Weekend Rundown
The NBOTB experience stretches beyond the stadium. Here’s how the weekend unfolds:
Friday, August 22
- Emerging Experience Entrepreneur Conference powered by JPMorgan Chase
📍 The Deluxe Theatre | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Free with registration
Saturday, August 23
- NBOTB Cares: Feeding the Homeless
📍 St. Joseph Clubhouse, 3307 Austin Street | ⏰ 9:00 AM - Fan Experience
📍 NRG Center | ⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Free & open to the public
Featuring: The Pepsi Experience, HBCU College & Career Fair, Stroll Off Competition, vendors, and a live set by Flippa T - Pepsi National Battle of the Bands
📍 NRG Stadium | ⏰ Showtime 4:30 PM (doors open at 3:00 PM CST)
Honoring the Legends
This year, the NBOTB Hall of Fame will enshrine Dr. Julian E. White, longtime Director of Bands at Florida A&M University. Under his leadership, the famed Marching “100” became a global standard-bearer for precision and showmanship. Dr. White joins Maestro Benjamin J. Butler, II of Texas Southern University, who was the inaugural Hall of Fame inductee in 2024.
Know Before You Go
- Clear Bag Policy:
- Clear bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon clear freezer bag
- Small clutch purse (4.5″ x 6.5″)
- Parking & Directions: Visit NRGPark.com for details.
- Tickets: Available now at NationalBattleoftheBands.com/tickets. Don’t sleep—these seats go fast.
Why It Matters
Since its inception, the NBOTB has generated more than $2 million in scholarships for participating HBCUs. It’s about keeping traditions alive, fueling education, and showing the world that these bands—and their schools—aren’t just part of the culture; they are the culture.