ASTROS FOUNDATION TO HOST CACTUS JACK HBCU CLASSIC FROM FEB. 14-16
The Astros Foundation and Minute Maid Park will host the third annual Cactus Jack HBCU Classic, a round-robin collegiate baseball tournament highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their baseball programs, on opening weekend of Division I college baseball from Feb. 14-16.
The Cactus Jack HBCU Classic will be a highlight of opening weekend of college baseball in 2024. The six schools participating in the event include Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas), Prairie View A&M (Prairie View, Texas), Southern University and A&M College (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), Grambling State University (Grambling, Louisiana), Jackson State University (Jackson, Mississippi), and Alabama A&M University (Huntsville, Alabama).
Single day tickets and three-day tournament packages are on sale now at Astros.com/HBCUClassic.
The Cactus Jack HBCU Classic will include ancillary events at Minute Maid Park throughout the weekend, aside from the nine games. A college fair, featuring over 100 colleges and universities, will be hosted by the Astros Youth Academy on Saturday, Feb. 15. The Astros Foundation will also host a Divine 9/HBCU Alum Happy Hour and a Gospel Breakfast. Please visit Astros.com/HBCUClassic for more information on these events.
2025 CACTUS JACK HBCU CLASSIC SCHEDULE*
Friday, February 14, 2024
11 a.m. Grambling St. vs. Jackson St.
3 p.m. Alabama A&M vs. Prairie View
7 p.m. Texas Southern vs. Southern University
Divine 9 Happy Hour – Friday, February 14
We’re rolling out the welcome mat for the kick-off to the 2025 HBCU Classic with a special Divine 9/HBCU Alumni Happy Hour. Come out and enjoy an evening of baseball, great energy and good vibes at Minute Maid Park. The fun starts at 5 p.m. in the Gallagher Club. Fellowship with HBCU Alum and wear your best Greek/HBCU attire. Tickets are $50 per person and include food and admission to all nine HBCU Classic games.
Saturday, February 15, 2024 (In-State Rivalry Day)
11 a.m. Alabama A&M vs. Jackson St.
3 p.m. Southern University vs. Grambling St.
7 p.m. Prairie View vs. Texas Southern
Conoco-Phillips College Fair – Saturday, February 15
The Conoco-Phillips College Fair hosted by the Astros Youth Academy is set to take place at Minute Maid Park from 11 am-1 pm. It is free for high school students between 9th-12th grade and their parents, and will feature over 100 colleges, universities, and military recruiters. Each participating student will receive a ticket to attend the tournament on the day of the event.
Register Now: http://www.astrosyouthacademy.com/events/4427027-2025-aya-college-fair-presented-by-conocophillips—sat.-feb.-15-2025
Sunday, February 16, 2024
11 a.m. Grambling St. vs. Alabama A&M
3 p.m. Jackson St. vs. Texas Southern
7 p.m. Prairie View vs. Southern University
Gospel Breakfast – Sunday, February 16
Join the Astros Foundation from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Phillips 66 Diamond Club for the 2025 HBCU Classic Gospel Breakfast. Tickets are $25 per person and include admission to all HBCU Classic games on Sunday at Minute Maid Park. Come enjoy a wonderful Sunday morning of food, gospel music and entertainment featuring gospel comedian, Marcus D. Wiley.
*Game times are subject to change; home teams are listed second
ABOUT THE ASTROS FOUNDATION:
The Astros Foundation, the official 501(c)(3) team charity of the Houston Astros, seeks to harness the passion of baseball fans to support youth baseball and softball programs, the recognition and honor of our nation’s military, childhood cancer awareness, domestic violence awareness and efforts to reduce homelessness. Our cornerstone initiatives include the Community Leaders program, the Astros Youth Academy and the Astros RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Program. For more information on the Astros Foundation, please visit www.astros.com/foundation.
ABOUT THE ASTROS YOUTH ACADEMY:
The Astros Youth Academy (AYA), which officially opened in 2010, is run by the Astros Foundation and provides free year-round baseball and softball instruction, life skills training and academic support to Houston youth, with a focus on serving inner-city and at-risk children and teens. Baseball and softball camps, clinics, programs, and other activities are provided by experienced instructors, free of charge. The AYA also provides educational programs, leadership development and assistance with college readiness. For more information, visit astrosyouthacademy.com.
ABOUT THE CACTUS JACK FOUNDATION:
The Cactus Jack Foundation mission is to empower and enrich the lives of youth by providing access to education and creative resources to ensure long term success. The foundation believes the youth should not be prevented from attaining their lifetime goal and is committed to extending educational opportunities to all, regardless of their circumstances to achieve their dreams.
ABOUT PROJECT H.E.A.L.:
Project H.E.A.L. is a multi-tier initiative dedicated to addressing challenges facing today’s youth, especially those from marginalized and at-risk communities. In conjunction with the Cactus Jack Foundation, Project H.E.A.L. unites initiatives ranging from academic scholarships, free mental health resources, a creative design center and solutions for event safety. These efforts, independently and collectively, aim to solve challenges and overcome issues impacting the youth community. Learn more at heal-project.org.