Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South marching band participated in its first Rose Parade last week and will now gear up for another parade, this time celebrating the accomplishments of the university’s football team.
The Tigers finished the 2024 season as HBCU national champions after winning the program’s fourth title, defeating South Carolina State in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Shortly after, it was announced the city of Jackson would be helping the team celebrate with a parade slated for Jan. 17. No further details were announced at the time.
But now, more information has begun to trickle in. According to both university and city officials, the parade will be held downtown beginning at 6 p.m. After the festivities, an official afterparty and fundraiser will take place at M-Bar Sports Grill. Tickets are available here.
🚨Thee Parade of Champions🚨
January 17, 2025
Come join us for Thee Official After Party & Fundraiser at MBar. Hosted by T.C. Taylor 🔥
Official JSU Vendor will be on site! Raffle Items, Blue Carpet and an opportunity to have your photo taken with the Celebration Bowl Trophy!… pic.twitter.com/uwuCuDK7sJ
— Jackson State Football (@gojsutigersfb) December 31, 2024
Jackson State finished on the right side of history when it defeated South Carolina State 28-7 on Dec. 14 for the university’s first Celebration Bowl victory since the game was created in 2015. The annual matchup between SWAC and MEAC champions serves as the equivalent of the national championship for historically Black colleges and universities who opt out of the FCS playoffs.
The Tigers previously made it to the Celebration Bowl in 2021 and 2022 but were unable to win under then-head coach Deion Sanders. T.C. Taylor, in his second season at the helm, helped the team find redemption as it won its first national title since 1996.
