The HBCU Legacy Bowl will have a new home beginning next year.
The Black College Football Hall of Fame announced Friday that the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl will relocate to Atlanta, Georgia beginning in 2027, moving the nationally recognized postseason all-star game to one of the country’s largest sports and entertainment markets.
The annual showcase, which features top NFL draft-eligible players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, will hold its 2027 edition at Center Parc Stadium on Feb. 27. The accompanying Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair is scheduled for Feb. 26.
Organizers said the move will strengthen the event’s ties to the HBCU community while expanding opportunities for students and graduates. Nearly 50 HBCUs are located within driving distance of Atlanta, creating greater access to the career fair, which organizers describe as the nation’s largest HBCU career fair.
“Atlanta represents tremendous growth and opportunity for the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl and the young people we serve,” said Doug Williams, co-founder of the Black College Football Hall of Fame and MVP of Super Bowl XXII. “We believe this next chapter will elevate the experience for our students, fans, partners and NFL scouts while continuing to honor the proud traditions and lasting impact of HBCU football.”
The relocation places the game in a city known for its strong corporate presence, extensive HBCU alumni network and established event infrastructure. In addition to the game, the weeklong schedule will include career development programming, networking events and community engagement activities.
The Black College Football Hall of Fame also announced that Allstate has extended its title sponsorship of the HBCU Legacy Bowl, continuing a partnership that organizers say has helped grow the event’s reach and impact since its inception.
Since launching, the Legacy Bowl has become a key platform for HBCU football players seeking exposure to professional scouts while expanding its focus on career opportunities for students and graduates through the annual career fair.
“We are deeply grateful to Allstate for its continued commitment to, and belief in, the mission of the HBCU Legacy Bowl,” said James “Shack” Harris, co-founder of the Black College Football Hall of Fame. “Their support has helped us grow this event into a premier platform that creates opportunities for HBCU student-athletes and connects students and graduates with meaningful career pathways. We look forward to building on this momentum together as we continue to expand the impact of the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl.”
The 2027 game will air live on NFL Network and serve as the centerpiece of a weeklong celebration of Black history, culture and achievement.
Founded in 2009 by pioneering quarterbacks Harris and Williams, the Black College Football Hall of Fame honors the accomplishments of players, coaches and contributors from HBCU football. The organization, located at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, has awarded more than $450,000 in support of HBCUs and HBCU scholarships and oversees initiatives including the HBCU Legacy Bowl, the Ozzie Newsome GM & Quarterback Summit and the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic.
Additional information regarding tickets and weeklong events will be announced in the coming months.
