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The Cricket Celebration Bowl, owned and operated by ESPN Events, showcases the heritage, legacy, pageantry and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The annual event pits the champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) head-to-head against the champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), kicking off the college football bowl season in Atlanta each December. The Celebration Bowl delivers the full…
In connection with the Cricket Celebration Bowl, the National Pan-Hellenic Council is collecting toys for some AWESOME metro ATL kids as a part of our Celebration of Service community event. We invite our Divine Nine Family and other friends to join this collaborative effort.
Reasons To Visit the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta
The Celebration Bowl in Atlanta is far more than just a college football postseason championship—it is the ultimate, high-energy cultural showcase of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Held annually inside the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this marquee showdown pits the champions of the MEAC and SWAC against each other to determine the national HBCU football champion.
Beyond the hard-hitting gridiron action, the event delivers an electric, festival-like atmosphere powered by rich traditions, passionate fan bases, and the legendary halftime Fifth Quarter battle of the marching bands. It is an unforgettable, quintessentially Atlanta sporting experience that captivates both die-hard football fans and cultural sightseers alike.
FAQs
The Celebration Bowl is an annual postseason college football championship held in Atlanta that pits the conference champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) against each other. Known as the de facto National Championship for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football, the event is equally celebrated for its rich cultural festivities, alum tailgates, and legendary marching band performances.
Taking MARTA is the quickest, most hassle-free way to reach Mercedes-Benz Stadium on game day. Take the Blue or Green line directly to the GWCC/CNN Center station, which drops you off right at the stadium’s front doors. Alternatively, you can exit at Vine City station, just west of the stadium across Northside Drive. If arriving from the airport via the Red or Gold line, transfer onto a westbound Blue or Green train at Five Points.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy:
– Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags cannot exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
– One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc style) are permitted.
– Small, non-clear clutch bags or wristlets cannot exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″.
– Backpacks, large purses, and camera cases are prohibited, and no on-site bag check is provided.
Yes. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a 100% cashless facility. All concession stands, specialty dining spots, and merchandise vendors accept only debit cards, credit cards, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay). If you bring cash, complimentary cash-to-card kiosks are stationed throughout the concourses to convert currency into prepaid Mastercard debit cards fee-free.
Unlike traditional bowl games where halftime is an afterthought, the Celebration Bowl halftime and postgame “Fifth Quarter” are headlining attractions. The two participating schools’ marching bands stage a high-energy, choreographed musical duel featuring thunderous percussion, brass arrangements, and auxiliary dance teams that rival the game action itself. Plan to remain in your seat throughout the entire intermission.
If you’re driving, you must buy parking passes in advance through the Mercedes-Benz Stadium parking portal, as lots routinely sell out. The most popular tailgating spot is The Home Depot Backyard, an 11-acre green space located adjacent to the stadium. Tailgating lots typically open several hours before kickoff, but all tailgating setups must wrap up within 30 minutes of kickoff.
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