Crank It Up:

The highly anticipated rivalry football game between Southern University and Jackson State University took place last week on September 27th, featuring this year’s Gold Out Theme. In the days leading up to the Boombox Classic, the campus atmosphere was filled with high energy and school spirit, highlighted by engaging events hosted by the SGA, humorous social media memes, and excitement surrounding the Boombox Classic Battle of the Bands. From football to the marching bands, this rivalry, dating back to 1929, brings fierce competition on and off the field.

While Jaguar fans have been eagerly awaiting this game before the start of football season, Sunday, September 21st marked the beginning of the highly anticipated 2025 Boombox Classic week. The week began with school organizations posting memes on Instagram teasing Jackson State. These posts received high student engagement and reignited the historic rivalry between the two schools.

Later that same day, Southern University’s Geaux Team released the exciting lineup of events that occurred on campus last week. The first event, Step & Repeat: Line Dance Class, was hosted on Tuesday, September 23rd. Students learned line dances such as the SU shuffle. On Wednesday, September 24th, the Poster & Clear Bag Making Event took place in the Student Union Mocha Room. Students decorated posters and clear bags to display at the game Saturday night. In response to how events build hype around the game, Dr. Tanganika Johnson, Advisor of Geaux Teams, said, “This brings into the excitement of the whole weekend we’re going to have. This is our biggest rivalry”.

The week continued on Friday, September 26th, as students gathered in the Event Center for Lacumba’s Juke Joint Pep Rally: Battle of the Classes. Underclassmen showed off their best 2000s fits, while upperclassmen styled 90s fashion. The two classes competed in a series of fun games to show their school spirit. The pep rally featured lively performances and even a Masked Singer competition.

 Following the Pep Rally,  the Boombox Classic Battle of the Bands at the A.W. Mumford Stadium, where the Human Jukebox met Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South on the field. When asked what makes the Boombox Classic Battle of the Bands special compared to other performances, Director of Bands Kedric Taylor said, “It’s a rivalry between two top HBCU Bands programs that have been successful for many years”. “Seeing those two bands go head to head, everyone is excited about seeing their two favorite bands play,” said Taylor.

On Saturday, September 27th, the day of the football game, the Gold Out Block Party took place at the Tony Clayton Championship Plaza. The Block Party consisted of music, food vendors, and performances by Gold N’ Bluez and Code Blue. Following the Block Party, Southern University hosted Jackson State in a matchup at A.W. Mumford Stadium. 

What I’m most looking forward to for the game is listening to the Human Jukebox and Sonic Boom bands, and experiencing the HBCU gameday atmosphere,” said Jade Evans, a freshman. “It makes me grateful that I chose to attend thee Southern University”.  Boombox Classic Week served as a memorable time for students, as they were able to experience creative new events, family-reunion style tailgates, and cheer on the Southern University Jaguars in their intense matchup.