2026 Gulf Coast Challenge Powered by the Mobile Sports AuthorityFootball

Football for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is heading to the city of Mobile this fall!  The 9th Annual Gulf Coast Challenge, Powered by the Mobile Sports Authority, will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.  The bulldogs of Alabama A&M University will host the Tigers of Jackson State University in this much-anticipated HBCU matchup.  

This year, the Gulf Coast Challenge features a Tailgate Festival!  Your game day ticket will get you into three days of events at Ladd-Peebles Stadium!  Festivities begin Thursday, October 1, with a College & Career Fair at the Mobile Convention Center.  A Gospel Explosion Concert takes place at Ladd-Peebles Stadium later that evening.  On Friday, the team luncheon takes place at the Mobile Convention Center.  Friday night, the HBCU Fest begins at 6 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.  The festival features a fashion show, a cheerleading showcase, a Greek exhibition, and a free concert.  On Saturday morning, the Gulf Coast Challenge Parade will roll in Downtown Mobile at 10 a.m.  Finally, on Saturday afternoon, the much-anticipated HBCU showdown between the Tigers of Jackson State University and the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M University kicks off at Ladd-Peebles Stadium at 4 p.m.  There is literally something for everyone to enjoy!   

For tickets or additional information, please visit https://mobilegulfcoastchallenge.com/