JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Labor Day weekend is on the way, and Jackson State University kicks off its first home football game of the season that weekend.

The 2026 HBCU Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands will also be held that weekend. The event will include food trucks, vendors, and the Sonic Boom of the South, along with marching bands from across the state and nation.

Economic impact

The event is also an economic driver for the city of Jackson and Hinds County.

“Last year’s event brought 1.9 million dollars in economic impact into the City of Jackson. And the opportunity is even greater this year. Organizers are telling us, this man behind here, that our goal this year is 50,000 people,” Thigpen said.

“We’re gonna have food trucks, we’re gonna have vendors, we’re gonna have live performances, high school bands, so we want everybody to come out. Get you something good to eat, just come and have kind of like a big pep rally, big family reunion,” Davis said.

Event details

Gates will open three hours early to help avoid long lines. A food fest begins at noon on September 6 at Veterans Memorial Stadium. A pre-show begins at 4:30 p.m.

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