2026 Florida Classic date confirmed amid stadium renovations

The date and venue for the 2026 Florida Classic have been officially confirmed, with Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M scheduled to meet on Saturday, November 21, at 3:30 p.m. The announcement was issued on June 3 by Florida Citrus Sports and the Florida Classic Consortium, cementing the location as Camping World Stadium in Orlando for the 30th time since the event began using the venue in 1997.

This fixture marks the 47th annual meeting between the two institutions and the 71st all-time contest in their rivalry. Bethune-Cookman enters the matchup seeking a consecutive victory, having defeated Florida A&M 38-34 in the 2025 edition. As is traditional, the game will serve as the final regular-season contest for the Wildcats.

The event will occur against the backdrop of significant infrastructure changes at the host venue. Camping World Stadium is currently undergoing a $400 million renovation project, which is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2027. Consequently, the stadium’s traditional seating capacity of 60,219 is expected to be reduced for the 2026 game, although specific figures for the reduced capacity have not been disclosed.

Bethune-Cookman president Dr Albert Mosley acknowledged the logistical challenges posed by the ongoing construction. He stated that the university is collaborating with Florida A&M and Florida Citrus Sports to manage the fan experience, ensuring that attendees receive the standard of service expected for one of the most meaningful traditions in Historically Black College and University athletics.

The Florida Classic has been held at the Orlando venue every year since 1997, establishing it as a staple of the sporting calendar. Despite the physical alterations to the stadium, organizers have confirmed that the game will proceed at its long-standing location in Downtown Orlando.