Where will the parade take place?

The parade will begin at 6:00 PM, starting at the intersection of State Street and Pascagoula Street. From there, it will proceed to Capitol Street, turn onto West Street, then return via Pascagoula Street before ending back on State Street. Streets along the route will begin closing at 2:30 PM and are expected to reopen by 8:00 PM.

Who will be in the parade?

The parade will showcase the championship-winning Tigers team, led by Head Coach T.C. Taylor, along with JSU coaches and university leadership. The nationally renowned Sonic Boom of the South marching band—fresh off a dazzling Tournament of Roses appearance in Pasadena, CA—will bring their signature sound and high-energy performance to the celebration. Together with the championship team that dominated South Carolina State in Atlanta with a decisive 28-7 win, this parade promises to be a spectacular display of JSU excellence and Tiger pride.

Where's the best place (and time) to get in on the action?

At 4 p.m. at City Hall, DJ Unpredictable will be spinning tracks and food vendors will be on hand. Fans can grab photos with the HBCU national championship trophy while they're there. At 5, everyone's heading to the "Welcome to Jackson" mural for a pep rally with radio host Chelle B, the JSU cheerleaders, and Sonny THEE Tiger. The championship parade starts at 6, running from State Street through downtown along Capitol and West streets, then looping back on Pascagoula. To wrap things up at 7, Coach Taylor, Mayor Lumumba, and some of the star players will speak back at the mural.

For the best parade experience, consider these prime viewing and activation spots:

• Along State Street near the Welcome to Jackson mural, where you'll be in the middle of all the festivities
• In front of the Hood Building at 200 South President Street, where you can also shop for official JSU championship merchandise
• The corner of Pascagoula and State Street, where food trucks will be serving up delicious options while you enjoy the parade

Background on the historic win

This victory marks a watershed moment for Jackson State University. After falling short in the Celebration Bowl in both 2021 and 2022, the Tigers finally claimed their first bowl victory since the game's inception in 2015. Under the leadership of first-year Head Coach T.C. Taylor, JSU not only secured the win but dominated the game against South Carolina State.

The Celebration Bowl, which pits the champions of the SWAC against the MEAC champions, serves as the de facto national championship for Historically Black Colleges and Universities that opt out of the FCS playoffs. This victory represents JSU's first national title since 1996, making it an especially sweet triumph for the Tiger Nation.