ATLANTA (Aug. 19, 2026) – The College Football Hall of Fame is celebrating one of the most powerful elements of the college football experience with the the debut of the Southern Company Keith Duncan: Battle of the Bands Exhibit, Presented by Mabra Law, which not only celebrates the cultural impact, artistry and enduring legacy of HBCU marching bands, but also highlights the music, energy and traditions that bring game day to life. Opening Saturday, Aug. 29, the exhibit features 44 large-scale fabric paintings from acclaimed New Orleans artist Keith Duncan’s Battle of the Bands collection, which captures the passion, precision and tradition that have made HBCU marching bands among the most celebrated and influential institutions in college athletics.

The experience of college football extends far beyond the players and coaches on the field, with Southern University’s “Get Ready,” Tennessee’s “Rocky Top,” Virginia Tech’s “Enter Sandman” and South Carolina’s “Sandstorm” being prime examples of how the sounds of college football have become just as iconic as the teams themselves. The College Football Hall of Fame captures that complete experience by celebrating not only the coaches, athletes, artifacts and moments that have shaped the game, but also the traditions, pageantry and sounds of the game that make college football unlike anything else in sports.

For generations, HBCU marching bands have been at the forefront of that experience, transforming college football through music, movement, creativity and traditions that have influenced the sport far beyond their campuses. Battle of the Bands honors 15 premier Southern HBCU bands, including Florida A&M University's Marching 100, Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South, Morehouse College's House of Funk, Howard University's "Showtime" Marching Band and more.

"The story of college football is about so much more than what happens between the sidelines, and that story cannot be told without the extraordinary contributions of HBCUs and their marching bands," said Kimberly Beaudin, President and CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame. "For generations, these programs have shaped the traditions, pageantry and spirit of the game while influencing American culture far beyond the field. As the national home, and Capital of College Football, we have a responsibility to preserve and celebrate every chapter of that story, and Battle of the Bands reflects our ongoing commitment to honoring the people, institutions and communities that continue to shape the game."

Duncan, whose work explores the history and cultural traditions of Black communities throughout the American South, created Battle of the Bands to celebrate HBCU marching bands as powerful expressions of artistry, tradition and community. Through large-scale fabric paintings, Duncan captures the energy and spectacle of these iconic programs while honoring the generations of musicians, performers and communities they represent.

“HBCU marching bands represent discipline, excellence, creativity and community,” said Keith Duncan. “Through this collection, I wanted to honor the people behind these remarkable programs and celebrate the pride they inspire across generations. It’s incredibly meaningful to see the work presented in the College Football Hall of Fame, a place that celebrates the greatest traditions and history the sport has to offer.”

Opening as Atlanta hosts the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff game, marking the official start of the HBCU college football season, Battle of the Bands joins the Hall’s ongoing commitment to supporting HBCUs, which already includes the Southern Company Celebrating HBCUs exhibit and the Hall’s HBCU Scholarship program, which has awarded $20,000 in scholarships since 2022. There have been 37 HBCU athletes and coaches inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame so far, and roughly three dozen HBCU-related artifacts are available throughout the venue, helping recognize the profound influence HBCUs have had on the game.

Collectively, Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country generate $16.5 billion in economic impact and create more than 136,000 jobs within their communities (Source: 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report). Specifically, Georgia is home to 10 HBCUs, generating an estimated $1.6 billion in economic impact and more than 13,000 jobs, while educating future leaders and strengthening their communities across the state (Source: UNCF).

The Southern Company Keith Duncan: Battle of the Bands Exhibit, Presented by Mabra Law will be on display through May 2027 and is included with general admission to the College Football Hall of Fame. For more information about the Hall, including hours of operation, ticket prices, and other visitor guidelines, please visit cfbhall.com.

About the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is the national home of college football, where the spirit of college football comes to life. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta's sports and entertainment district, the Hall connects fans of all ages to the traditions, pageantry and unforgettable moments that define college football through immersive exhibits, iconic artifacts, interactive experiences and year-round programming.

Founded by the National Football Foundation (NFF) in 1951 and located in Atlanta since 2014, the Hall is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of college football and advancing its impact through education, community engagement and leadership development. By sharing the stories of the game's greatest players, coaches and moments, the Hall promotes the enduring values of hard work, integrity and perseverance that define the sport.

Beyond its museum experience, the College Football Hall of Fame is one of Atlanta's premier destinations for special events, corporate gatherings and community celebrations, offering a one-of-a-kind venue for unforgettable experiences. For more information, visit www.cfbhall.com.