Courtesy of AAMU Athletics
CHICAGO | For the first time in history, two elite Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Prairie View A&M University and Alabama A&M University, will face off at Wrigley Field, the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs, for a groundbreaking celebration of culture, legacy, and the game of baseball.
The Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic will debut on May 2, 2026, bringing together the athletic excellence of top-ranked HBCU baseball programs in a historic matchup before thousands of fans at the Friendly Confines. Game day at Wrigley Field will feature marching band performances and fan activations celebrating HBCU tradition.
In addition to the game, organizers are planning youth clinics, educational programming, and community-centered events at partner locations throughout Chicago in the days surrounding the Classic. Inspired by the longstanding tradition of HBCU Football Classics, the event is expected to draw alumni, families, and baseball fans from across the region.
“Our mission is to elevate the next generation of talent and expand opportunity in Black baseball. With the support of the Chicago Cubs, bringing this Classic to Wrigley Field allows us to build a baseball tradition that mirrors the decades-long impact of the Chicago Football Classic – ensuring HBCUs remain a vibrant part of Chicago’s sports DNA,” said Earnest Horton, CEO of Black Baseball Media and organizer of the Classic.
“The first-ever HBCU game at Wrigley Field is a historic milestone for Chicago and for the future of baseball,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Wrigley Field is the only ballpark where Jackie Robinson played that still stands today, making it a powerful place to write the next chapter of Black baseball history. This event honors the legacy of African Americans in the sport while inspiring young people across our city to see themselves in baseball, in higher education, and in leadership.”
“We’re proud to welcome the HBCU Baseball Classic to Wrigley Field and highlight the cultural richness HBCUs bring to the sport,” said Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts. “Historic events like the Classic unite communities and inspire the next generation of athletes to dream big, following in the footsteps of Hall of Famers and HBCU alumni Andre Dawson and Lou Brock. We invite all fans to join us at the ballpark and cheer on these remarkable teams.”
Tickets are required to attend the Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic at Wrigley Field and will be available free of charge to the public at Cubs.com/HBCUBaseballClassic.
