Rochester announces return of Baldwin Richardson Foods HBCU Classic Weekend

Rochester, New York – Rochester is preparing to welcome back one of its signature community events this fall as city leaders announced plans for the third annual Baldwin Richardson Foods Frederick Douglass HBCU Classic Weekend of Hope. The four-day celebration, scheduled to conclude on Oct. 3, will once again combine education, culture, and football while introducing local students to the opportunities available through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Mayor Malik D. Evans joined Baldwin Richardson Foods President and CEO Erin Tolefree to unveil the plans for the 2026 event, which has grown into a highly anticipated tradition. Designed to connect Rochester students with higher education while celebrating the heritage and achievements of HBCUs, the weekend will feature activities aimed at students of various age groups before culminating in a college football showdown.

The centerpiece of the celebration will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Rochester Community Sports Complex, located at 460 Oak St. Fans will watch the Lincoln University Lions from Lower Oxford Township, Pennsylvania, face the Virginia State University Trojans from Ettrick, Virginia. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., but festivities will begin well before the opening whistle.

Game day will start with a lively tailgate celebration in the sports complex parking lot. Visitors can expect food trucks, live music from DJs, and a variety of local vendors, creating a festival atmosphere that extends beyond the football field. Admission to the event includes access to the pre-game tailgate, the football game itself, and one of the day’s biggest attractions after the final whistle.

Following the matchup, the excitement will continue with a battle of the bands featuring two renowned HBCU marching bands. The Orange Crush Roaring Lions Marching Band and the Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band will perform in what organizers expect to be an energetic showcase of music, school spirit, and tradition that has become a defining part of HBCU culture.

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Tickets for the full game-day experience are now available starting at $25 through the City’s official HBCU Classic website.

While the football game serves as the weekend’s headline event, organizers continue to place a strong emphasis on education. Activities begin on Wednesday, Sept. 30, with the Baldwin Richardson Foods HBCU College Expo at Blue Cross Arena. High school juniors and seniors from across the Rochester area will have the opportunity to meet representatives from dozens of historically Black colleges and universities.

Students attending the expo will be able to share their academic transcripts directly with admissions representatives, explore educational programs, and potentially receive preliminary acceptance offers and scholarship opportunities. The event has already demonstrated a significant impact in previous years. During last year’s college fair, more than 900 students attended, resulting in over $6 million in scholarship commitments offered by participating institutions.

Organizers are expanding this year’s program with the introduction of a new event called the HBCU Experience. Scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Rochester Community Sports Complex, the program is specifically designed for students in grades seven through 10. Rather than focusing solely on college admissions, the event will immerse younger students in HBCU culture through music, dance performances, entertainment, and interactions with local HBCU alumni.

The added program aims to introduce students to the traditions and educational possibilities associated with historically Black colleges well before they begin making college decisions, encouraging them to think about higher education at an earlier stage.

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Community participation will also play an important role leading into the weekend’s finale. On Friday, Oct. 2, residents throughout Rochester are encouraged to celebrate HBCU Day by wearing apparel or school colors representing their favorite historically Black college or university. Organizers are also inviting participants to share photos on social media using the hashtags #ROCHBCUClassic and #BRFHBCUClassic to help build excitement throughout the city.

Mayor Evans said the annual celebration has become much more than a sporting event, highlighting its role in opening doors for local students and families.

“The HBCU Classic continues to be an unparalleled opportunity for Rochester students and families to be introduced to the outstanding educational opportunities, rich traditions, and lasting impact of historically Black colleges and universities,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “I sincerely thank Baldwin Richardson Foods and our other sponsors for their continued commitment to bringing this exciting event to Rochester.”

For Baldwin Richardson Foods, the partnership reflects an ongoing investment in education and future generations. Tolefree, herself an HBCU graduate, said the event creates meaningful opportunities for students to discover institutions that can shape both their academic and professional futures.

“Investing in young people strengthens our communities for generations to come,” said Erin Tolefree, President and CEO, Baldwin Richardson Foods. “We are honored to support Rochester’s HBCU Classic weekend – we can see the difference it makes in inspiring local students to pursue their goals with confidence. As an HBCU graduate, it is especially meaningful to help introduce Rochester students to these life-changing institutions.”

As the Weekend of Hope enters its third year, organizers hope the combination of educational programming, cultural celebrations, and collegiate athletics will continue to inspire thousands of students while strengthening Rochester’s connection to the enduring legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.