August 28, 2021
Ancillary EventsCracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar in Houston to support Hurricane Ida Relief Efforts at event on Sunday
Our neighbors from Louisiana are facing great challenges from Hurricane Ida and the Houston community wants to show our support as we know many people are coming to the Houston area from Louisiana to seek shelter from the storm.
The Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar will provide two complimentary tickets to the event which is tomorrow at NRG Stadium starting at 4 p.m. to any patron who shows proof of residence in Louisiana.
Tickets will be distributed at NRG Park in the Gravel Lot on the Southwest Corner of the NRG Stadium footprint starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 29.
Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from tickets sales to the event on Sunday will also go towards Hurricane Ida relief efforts.
Music lovers and fans of the schools can still purchase tickets at www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/tickets, at the NRG Stadium Box Office starting at 11 a.m. Sunday or by calling 832-667-2390.
February 3, 2021
Ancillary Events2021 National Girls & Women in Sports Day
Celebrating the Women of LSSE
National Girls & Women in Sports Day is a chance to celebrate the amazing girls and women that work to make the sports industry what it is today. Whether they are on the field or behind the scenes the role of women in sports is invaluable.
Check out the women of LSSE and what inspires them to continue to help run the (sports) world!
Jasmine Butler
Senior Events & Marketing Coordinator
Providing fans with memorable experiences is what motivates me to work in sports. There is truly nothing like getting to provide experiences for someone that they can’t get anywhere else. That’s what I love about sports, we get to come in and do such incredible things everyday and have the opportunity to create an incredible moment for someone else. Seeing the joy on the faces of fans, knowing that I was a part of creating that joy, is a rush unlike anything else.
Carly Boatwright
Marketing Manager
I was an athlete growing up and all through college. After I graduated, I knew that I wanted to continue to be a part of the community that helped shape me into the person I am today. I'm inspired by the opportunity to bring people of all backgrounds together to unify them around their team. It doesn't matter what you look like, think like, talk like, where you're from, if you are fan then you are family. This unity allows us to come together to support our communities in life changing ways. I am humbled and blessed to be able to be a part of it!
Sarah Dedmon
Events Manager
Sports have been an invaluable aspect of my life. They have taught me some of my greatest lessons, strengthen me in ways I didn’t know where possible, challenged me physically and mentally, provided me with countless memories, and given me more joy than I could have ever hoped for. Without sports I wouldn’t be the person I am today and when it came time to picking a career, there seemed to be no greater fit. I cherish the opportunity to bring those same lessons, memories, and joys to others and hopefully shape their lives in the way that sports has helped shape mine.
August 25, 2021
Ancillary Events2021 CRACKER BARREL NATIONAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS PRESENTED BY PEPSI ZERO SUGAR
OFFICIAL EVENT WEEKEND LINEUP AND INFORMATION
HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 24, 2021): The 2021 Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar kicks off this weekend with exciting events and free community activities designed to provide visitors and the Houston community with opportunities to safely connect, celebrate, and create impactful memories over the entire weekend experience.
Official Ticketed Events
The NBOTB HBCU Greek Stroll Off presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar takes place on Friday, August 27, at NRG Center (1 NRG Park). Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. The event will feature performances from Greek fraternities and sororities who will be competing for cash prizes. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by visiting: www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/strolloff. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to support the NBOTB Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Band Together scholarship initiative.
On Sunday, August 29, at 4 p.m. the NBOTB weekend will conclude with show-stopping performances from members of the eight HBCU bands that will fill the NRG Stadium with unique styles and sounds created to celebrate, support, and recognize the excellence of black college marching bands.
This year’s band line-up includes Bethune Cookman University, Marching Wildcats; Langston University, “Marching Pride” Band; North Carolina A&T State University, The Blue and Gold Marching Machine; Norfolk State University, The Spartan “Legion” Marching Band; Southern University, Human Jukebox; Jackson State University, The Sonic Boom of the South; Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands; and Texas Southern University, “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band.
Tickets can still be purchased at www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/tickets.
Free Community Events
Friday, August 27, The NBOTB Esports Masterclass powered by HTX Sports Tech will be held at Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (701 Avenida de las Americas, Suite 450) from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. This specialized Esports and Gaming masterclass prepares high school students to be successful as tomorrow’s leaders of the emerging, multibillion-dollar Esports and Gaming industry. Registration is free for all students currently enrolled in high school. For more information and to register for the Esports Masterclass visit: www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/esports.
Friday, August 27, the NBOTB Esports Tournament presented by Rockstar Energy Drink will be held at NRG Center (1 NRG Park) from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and feature some of the top collegiate gamers who will be competing for $3,000 in scholarships and more. The event is free and open to the public to attend. Collegiate gamers interested in participating can register at www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/esports.
Saturday, August 28, Houston-area Entrepreneurs, Minority Business Owners, Startups, College Students, and Creatives will have the opportunity to network and collaborate with a dynamic group of industry experts during the Pepsi Zero Sugar Emerge Experience Entrepreneur Conference presented by PNC at the University of Houston - Student Center South Theater (4455 University Drive). Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the conference begins at 9:30 a.m. The theme for the event is ‘The Business of Tech, Sports, and Culture’ and will include a series of panel discussions designed to provide attendees with strategies, practical steps, and resources to grow their businesses and brands. Registration is free at www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/emerge.
Sunday, August 29, high school students and their parents can enjoy the HBCU S.T.E.M. College Fair from 1 - 3 p.m. at NRG Center (1 NRG Park). Admission is FREE. Attendees will gain access to top HBCUs from around the country who are recruiting for both undergrad and graduate admissions for S.T.E.M. and Non-S.T.E.M. programs. Students are encouraged to bring their transcripts for on-site college admissions. For more details visit, www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/collegefair.
Know Before You Go
NRG Stadium’s Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for Sunday’s event. Approved bags consist of clear plastic bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”; (1) gallon clear plastic Ziploc bag or similar; and small clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”. Be prepared to attend the show with clear bags.
Face coverings/masks are encouraged while attending any of our NBOTB events. If you have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, please stay home and self-monitor for symptoms and follow CDC guidelines if symptoms develop. High-risk individuals should follow the advice of their medical provider and/or CDC about attending any of our events. Any individual who does not comply with the COVID-19 rules, and the NRG Park Health & Safety Guidelines will not be permitted to enter or remain on NRG Park premises. *Disclaimer: COVID-19 guidelines and bag policies for media will be sent directly to approved media receiving credentials to cover the NBOTB.
To purchase tickets and for more information about the NBOTB visit www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/events and stay updated on social media at @NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram) / @NationalBOTB (Twitter).
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Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar
The event’s mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their marching bands, the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing our future leaders. Event organizers have generated more than $500,000 in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities. www.nationalbattleofthebands.com
Webber Marketing and Consulting
Webber Marketing & Consulting (WMC), LLC is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and is the largest marketing agency of record for HBCUs specializing in strategic outreach program development, on-site event execution, experiential marketing, and media. WMC provides their clients with focused programs that deliver measurable results, improve market position, and build for future successes. www.webbermarketing.net
Harris County - Houston Sports Authority
The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority maintains the facilities and services the debt of the world-class, professional sports venues it was created to build. To support this primary mission, Houston Sports serves as a leading proponent for attracting sporting events to Houston and for promoting the city as a home for sports-related activities, to ultimately enhance Houston’s economic development and bring better quality of life for its residents. Houston Sports also created the annual Houston Sports Awards to honor the area’s outstanding athletes. www.houstonsports.org
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to the Texas Bowl and the Texas Kickoff, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups. LSSE has also reinvigorated the “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted major concerts featuring country superstars including George Strait, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Derek Ross, Webber Marketing/National Battle of the Bands, derek@thed2g.com
Amber Malague, Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, amalague@houstonsports.org
Omar Majzoub, Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, omar.majzoub@houstontexans.com
#NBOTB
#WeAreHoustonSports
September 17, 2020
Ancillary EventsCracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands Rescheduled for 2021
Organizers Launch HBCUs Band Together Scholarship Initiative in Support of HBCU Bands
HOUSTON, Texas -- In an effort to prioritize health and safety during the pandemic, event partners Webber Marketing & Consulting, LLC and the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority, with the support of local and NRG Stadium officials, have rescheduled the 2020 Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands for the last weekend in August, 2021.
“Safety is our No. 1 priority. Over the last few months, we have been closely monitoring the ongoing developments of the coronavirus and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, as well as state and local governments, and we are confident this decision is the best course of action,” said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing & Consulting, LLC and Creator of the National Battle of the Bands. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding of the measures we are taking to protect our students, fans and the greater community.”
With the backing of its partners, NBOTB will support Historically Black Colleges and Universities during these challenging times with the launch of a scholarship program -- HBCUs Band Together. The evergreen, scholarship initiative is designed to bring together those who love and seek to support HBCUs, HBCU marching bands and their band members during the COVID-19 crisis, while celebrating the talent, contribution and impact of HBCU marching bands on the culture, and the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders.
“Due to safety and health concerns, we understand and wholeheartedly support the decision to reschedule the National Battle of the Bands for the fall of 2021,” said Jeff Sigel, Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “As the continued title sponsor of NBOTB, we remain committed to participating HBCUs and are excited to provide support to the HBCUs Band Together initiative.”
With COVID-19 changing the landscape of sporting events and other public gatherings where HBCU bands would be invited to perform and showcase their talents – HBCUs Band Together will focus on raising aid for 250,000 COVID-19 test kits for all HBCU students and creating another source of funding to assist HBCU bands with scholarships for its students and programs. To donate, go to www.HBCUsBandTogether.org.
“During the pandemic, we have been focused on creating opportunities and making an impact, which calls for most initiatives to be virtual at this point,” said Sports Authority Vice President Chris Massey.
“After seeing Houston and the HBCU community embrace NBOTB last year, we want to keep that positive momentum, which is arguably more important now than ever before. HBCUs Band Together does just that.”
The NBOTB has secured a three-year partnership with The AEA Education Foundation, Inc., which will serve as a presenting sponsor of the NBOTB and support its commitment to providing scholarships for HBCUs.
In addition, the U.S. Air Force is now an official sponsor of the NBOTB and will serve as the new title partner for the HBCU College Recruitment Fair that helps students learn more about HBCUs which are recruiting for both undergrad and graduate students for S.T.E.M. and non S.T.E.M. programs.
Both partners will also support HBCUs Band Together.
In 2019, the support of fans and partners helped make the inaugural year in Houston one of great memories and of lasting impact. The event raised $100,000 in scholarships, which supported the participating HBCU bands, two local Black Greek letter organizations and supplied band instruments to five local Houston-area high school bands.
For more information about the NBOTB visit www.nationalbattleofthebands.com and stay updated on social media:
NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram)
@NationalBOTB (Twitter)
For more information about HBCUs Band Together visit www.hbcusbandtogether.org and stay updated on social media:
HBCUsBandTogether (Facebook/Instagram)
@HBCUsBand (Twitter)
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About the Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands
The event’s mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their marching bands, the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing our future leaders. Event organizers have generated more than $500,000 in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities.
www.nationalbattleofthebands.com
About HBCUs Band Together
HBCUs Band Together is a scholarship initiative designed to bring together those who love and seek to support HBCU’s, HBCU Bands and their band members during the COVID-19 crisis; while celebrating the talent, contribution and impact of HBCU marching bands on the culture, and the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders.
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Contact: Melanie Hauser, Harris County - Houston Sports Authority
mhauser@houstonsports.org
Derek Ross, National Battle of the Bands
Derek@thed2g.com
#WeAreHoustonSports
October 3, 2019
Ancillary EventsCOACHES LUNCHEON KICKS OFF BATTLE OF THE PINEY WOODS WEEKEND AT NRG STADIUM
Both head coaches available Friday at 1:15 p.m.; Game kicks at 3:00 p.m. Saturday
HOUSTON – Lone Start Sports and Entertainment will kick off a big weekend at NRG Stadium on Friday as they play host to the Battle of the Piney Woods Coaches Kickoff Luncheon presented by Don Sanders. The event will be Friday, Oct. 4th starting at 11 a.m. at NRG Stadium. This year’s luncheon will feature both head coaches from Stephen F. Austin University and Sam Houston State University Coach Carthel and Coach Keeler will each speak to fans at the luncheon, which will be emceed by Houston Texans Radio Sideline Reporter John Harris.
Stephen F. Austin Head Coach Colby Carthel and Sam Houston State Head Coach K.C. Keeler will both be available to the media at 1:15 p.m. in the West Club at NRG Stadium.
The festivities around the 94th installment of the Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B will get underway Saturday at NRG Stadium with Fan Fest at 12:30 p.m. Fan Fest, located in Bud Light Plaza, will feature a special performance by Texas music artist Canaan Bryce at 1 p.m. A Waxahachie native, Bryce brings his own distinctive sound unlike any other up-and-coming artist in the Texas Music scene. His sound has been described as “the definition of Texas Country.” In October 2018 Canaan Bryce released his highly anticipated debut album Hwy 287. The record showcases Canaan’s vocal talents with more powerful songs like “Just Stay” and “Wastin’ My Time.” Canaan has toured with and opened as of late with rising stars including Koe Wetzel, Read Southall, Sam Riggs and Shotgun Rider among others.
The game will kick at 3:05 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN 3 and heard locally on Sports Radio 610 starting at 3 p.m. CT. Tickets for Saturday’s game are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.botpw.com or calling 832-667-2390.
WHAT:
Battle of the Piney Woods Coaches Kickoff Luncheon presented by Aramark and Don Sanders
WHO:
Stephen F. Austin Head Coach Colby Carthel
Sam Houston State Head Coach K.C. Keeler
WHERE: NRG Stadium, West Club
PARKING: Teal Lot
WHEN:
Friday, Oct. 4th starting at 11 a.m.
Coaches’ media availability at 1:15 p.m.
CONTACT:
Brianna Lewis, LSSE –
brianna.lewis@houstontexans.com
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