Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic to Make Historic Debut at Wrigley Field (Chicago, IL) – Wrigley Field will host a historic first this spring as Prairie View A&M University and Alabama A&M University face off in the inaugural Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic on May 2, 2026.
The matchup marks the first time two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will play at the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs, blending collegiate athletics with a celebration of culture, legacy and community. Organizers expect thousands of fans to attend the event, which is modeled after the long-standing tradition of HBCU football classics.
Game day festivities at the Friendly Confines will include marching band performances and fan activations highlighting HBCU traditions. In the days leading up to the game, partner sites across Chicago will host youth clinics, educational programming and other community-focused events aimed at expanding access to baseball and higher education opportunities.
Earnest Horton, CEO of Black Baseball Media and organizer of the Classic, said the event is designed to elevate Black baseball while creating new opportunities for student-athletes.
“Our mission is to elevate the next generation of talent and expand opportunity in Black baseball,” Horton said in a statement. “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 and ensures HBCUs remain a vibrant part of Chicago’s sports DNA.”
City leaders also framed the game as both a sports milestone and a symbolic moment in baseball history. Mayor Brandon Johnson noted that Wrigley Field is the only existing ballpark where Jackie Robinson once played, adding that the venue provides a powerful backdrop for celebrating African American contributions to the sport.
“This event honors the legacy of African Americans in baseball while inspiring young people across our city to see themselves in the game, in higher education and in leadership,” Johnson said.
Cubs Executive Chairman Tom Ricketts said the organization is proud to host the Classic and spotlight HBCU programs. He added that the game reflects baseball’s deep ties to HBCU alumni, including Hall of Famers Andre Dawson and Lou Brock.
Tickets for the Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic will be free but required for entry and will be available through the Cubs’ website.
Organizers say the event is expected to draw alumni, families and baseball fans from across the region while laying the groundwork for a new annual tradition in Chicago sports.
Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic to Make Historic Debut at Wrigley Field
