WASHINGTON (May 23, 2023) – Audi Field will host the third annual “Truth and Service Classic” college football game between home team Howard University and visitor Hampton University on Sept. 16, 2023. Additional information regarding the kick-off time and how to watch the game will be provided in the near future.
This storied rivalry between two of the nation’s prominent historically Black colleges dates back to 1908 and is known as the “Battle for the Real HU.” Hampton University currently leads the all-time series with a record of 55-41-1 against Howard University. The two teams last met at Hampton University on Sept. 3, 2022, with the Hampton Pirates edging out the Howard Bison, 31-28.
“We are proud to welcome Howard University back for the third iteration of the Truth and Service Classic at Audi Field, and particularly excited for the matchup with Hampton University to return,” Danita Johnson, D.C. United President of Business Operations, said. “This is an important relationship for D.C. United and Audi Field, and we look forward to a weekend full of celebration and education alongside two of our country’s great historic Black colleges in the Nation’s Capital.”
The Truth and Service Classic was established in 2021 when Audi Field hosted Howard University against longtime rivals Hampton University at the 20,000-seat venue in downtown Washington, D.C., the home of Major League Soccer club D.C. United. Hampton University won the inaugural Truth and Service Classic at Audi Field when they took down the Howard Bison by a score of 48-22 on Sept. 18, 2021, in front of a near-capacity crowd. On Oct. 15, 2022, Howard University hosted Harvard University in the second installment of the Truth and Service Classic at Audi Field, falling to the Crimson 41-25.
“We’re excited for our football team to play in the Truth and Service Classic at Audi Field for the third time,” said Howard Director of Athletics Kery Davis. “The last two years brought so much excitement and we’re looking forward to renewing our long-time rivalry with Hampton. We would like to thank D.C. United and Audi Field for this incredible partnership and opportunity for our student-athletes.”
The Howard Bison play in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and have been a football program for over 125 years. Over the course of the program’s history, they have won five Black College National Championships and three conference championships. The Bison begin their 2023 college football season on the road against Eastern Michigan on Sept. 1.
“The partnership between Events DC, Audi Field, D.C. United and Howard University is bringing the third Truth and Service Classic to HBCU football fans and alums of both fantastic educational institutions. Audi Field and the surrounding area will offer a celebration filled with activities for the whole family,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “We can’t wait to witness this historic rivalry on September 16th, and we welcome everyone to enjoy all the wonderful things our city has to offer. I am looking forward to the battle for title of the Real HU.”
To register your interest in attending the game please click here. All those who register will be included in an exclusive ticket pre-sale, which begins prior to tickets becoming available for the public.
About Audi Field
D.C. United have called the District home for the past 24 seasons and continued that tradition when they moved into their new state-of-the-art and soccer-specific stadium, Audi Field, in Buzzard Point, Southwest D.C., in July 2018.
The iconic 20,000-seat LEED certified new home of D.C. United is located in the fastest growing area in downtown D.C. An entertainment and event destination 365-days, Audi Field hosts over 100 events year-round. Complete with a brand new FanDuel sportsbook, Audi Field houses corporate outings, a culinary and music festival, Unite the District Fest, and world class international sporting events from D.C. United and the Washington Spirit, to Premier League Lacrosse and College Football, and many more.
For more information, please visit www.audifield.com and find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @AudiField.
About Howard University
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Stay current on the 190-acre RFK Campus Redevelopment Project at www.RFKCampus.com. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and the Entertainment and Sports Arena (www.ESAontheRise.com), all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.
For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC).
