NASHVILLE — The excitement of the John A. Merritt Classic will kick off with the Showcase of Bands, a celebration of music and showmanship featuring some of the region's top high school marching bands. The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the South Plaza of Nissan Stadium.

Tickets are $15, while children under 12 will be admitted free. Parking is available in Lot N at Nissan Stadium for $15. Fans are encouraged to rideshare or carpool due to expected crowds.

Participating schools include:
• Mundy's Mill High School (Atlanta, Ga.)
• Whitehaven High School (Memphis, Tenn.)
• Pearl-Cohn High School (Nashville, Tenn.)
• East Nashville High School (Nashville, Tenn.)
• Stratford High School (Nashville, Tenn.)
• Cane Ridge High School (Cane Ridge, Tenn.)
• James Lawson High School (Nashville, Tenn.)

"The Showcase of Bands is a highlight of this year's John Merritt Classic," said TSU Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing and Special Events. "We expect more than 800 students to participate. The event not only spotlights their incredible talent, passion and energy while celebrating the culture of HBCU football and marching band traditions, but also exposes students to the college experience and gives Tennessee State University valuable visibility in front of outstanding young people."

The Showcase of Bands is presented by the Titan One Community Foundation, with a fan tailgate and a $2,500 grand prize provided by Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Fans attending the Showcase are encouraged to stay for the 2025 season opener between Tennessee State and North Carolina A&T, which kicks off at 3:30 p.m. inside Nissan Stadium.

For tickets and more information, visit tsutigers.com/tickets.

Opportunity to expose high school students to a college football game and gives the university visibility in front of great students.