SNICKERS® Returns as the Official Chocolate of the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic

Mars Snacking extends partnership for a fourth consecutive year, continuing its support of HBCU tradition and the fan experience.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) Committee is proud to announce the continued partnership with Mars Snacking as SNICKERS® returns as the Official Chocolate of the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic presented by Able Business Services. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the partnership continues to enhance one of the nation's premier HBCU celebrations through memorable fan experiences and a shared commitment to community, culture, and college football.

The 2026 OBC presented by Able Business Services will take place on Sunday, September 6, at 3 p.m. ET, as the South Carolina State University Bulldogs face the Florida A&M University Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The nationally televised matchup on ESPN serves as the centerpiece of OBC Weekend, a multi-day celebration of HBCU excellence featuring leadership programming, community engagement, educational initiatives, business opportunities, and cultural experiences.

"We're excited to welcome SNICKERS back for a fourth consecutive year as the Official Chocolate of the Orange Blossom Classic," said Kendra Bulluck, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic. "Their continued partnership has become an important part of the Orange Blossom Classic experience, helping create memorable moments for our fans while adding to the energy and excitement that make Labor Day Weekend so special."

"Four years of the Orange Blossom Classic has shown us that epic football and unmatched fan energy deserve to be celebrated at the highest level," said Gabrielle Wesley, Chief Marketing Officer, Confectionery, Mars Snacking North America. "Whether you're on the field or in the stands enjoying the legendary halftime shows, SNICKERS is proud to return to Miami Gardens to help tackle hunger, fuel the fans and support the rich tradition of HBCU excellence all weekend long." 

Throughout OBC Weekend, SNICKERS® will once again engage fans through on-site activations, game-day experiences and interactive moments that have become a favorite tradition for attendees. The continued partnership reinforces Mars Wrigley's commitment to celebrating HBCU culture while helping create an unforgettable experience for fans from across the country.

Now in its sixth year since returning in 2021, the OBC has grown into one of the nation's premier HBCU events, attracting thousands of students, alumni, families, and fans each Labor Day Weekend while celebrating the enduring legacy and future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

For more information about the OBC Weekend, visit OrangeBlossomClassic.com.

ABOUT THE ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC
Founded in 1933 by J.R.E. Lee Jr., the son of Florida A&M University's president, the inaugural Orange Blossom Classic welcomed 2,000 fans to a "blacks only" ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida, where Florida A&M defeated Howard 9–0, establishing the foundation of one of the nation's most historic HBCU football classics.

After a 43-year hiatus, the Orange Blossom Classic was re-established in 2021 with a renewed mission to elevate HBCU athletics, culture, and access nationally. Now in its sixth year, the Orange Blossom Classic draws thousands of fans, students, alumni, and families to South Florida each Labor Day Weekend to celebrate competition, community, and HBCU pride. To date, OBC has generated more than $100 million in economic impact for Miami-Dade County and South Florida and more than $500,000 in scholarships.

ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $65bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, Pringles®, Cheez-It®, and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our more than 170,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

SOURCE Orange Blossom Classic