bernard
THEE Realist
The five-year contract calls for the county to pay $6.4 million but some of the money could be recovered through ticket and parking sales, 35% of which will go to the county.
Some of the top Historically Black College and University marching bands in the United States will participate in a national band competition at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton on January 17, 2026.
Under the contract recently approved by Palm Beach County, at least six collegiate bands from HBCUs will perform at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on Jan. 17, which also is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The schools have not been revealed yet, but some of the more popular schools are Florida A&M, Grambling and Bethune-Cookman.
A similar "Battle of the Bands" in Houston last year generated an estimated economic impact of more than $20 million for that area, a figure county officials hope to replicate here.
“This is going to be a great event,” said County Commissioner Gregg Weiss. “These musicians are incredibly talented."
The Houston event, held at NRG Stadium at the beginning of the football season in August, generated 22,000 room nights and had a "media value" of more than $19 million, according to an economic impact statement prepared for Houston.
HBCUs are known for their marching bands. The contract will result in the county hosting one of only two national competitions, with the other one being offered in Houston.
The Boca Raton event will be branded "Battle of the Bands in the Palm Beaches” and occur on Martin Luther King Day for the next five years. Bed taxes of up to $6.4 million will be used to fund the program. The tax is paid by tourists who visit the county. Some of the costs will be recouped through food and beverage, ticket and parking sales; the county will receive 35% of that revenue.
'This is going to be special': National HBCU Battle of the Bands coming to FAU Stadium
Top college marching bands will participate in a National Battle of the Bands event at FAU in January, boosting tourism in Palm Beach County.
www.palmbeachpost.com
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Participating Bands:
The sixth and final band will be announced next week!
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, October 28!
