ATLANTA – Fans coming to the Celebration Bowl are excited and ready to see everything the city has to offer.

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The Celebration Bowl is an annual classic for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) like the Super Bowl for the two teams.

“Go buddy.” South Carolina State fans shouted in unison as they prepared for the big game between their team and Jackson State University.

The fans said they were here to root for Jackson State, just like they did when they won the Celebration Bowl against JSU in 2021.

“We’re getting ready to do it again,” John Lee said Channel 2’s Tom Jones.

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Each year, the Celebration Bowl brings together the winners of the SWAC and MEAC conferences. It’s an annual HBCU classic.

“This is our Super Bowl and we’re here to show it,” said Aubrai Brailey of South Carolina State University.

You could also say it’s Atlanta’s mini-Super Bowl. Fans flock to the city for the big game, filling hotels and restaurants and partaking in other goods and services.

“We come to spend money. We come to have fun. We will be at various events around the city. We’re going to have a great time. I think we’re going to leave a lot of money in Atlanta,” Lee said.

And it’s not just the game that draws fans here. The popular Band of the Year competition returns with four schools vying for the title.

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Virginia State University Band Director Dr. Taylor Whitehead, says people are really coming out and showing their support.

“This city loves good bands. “Coming here and performing for the city is a great opportunity, obviously from a recruiting standpoint,” Whitehead said.

South Carolina State fans say they come for everything the city has to offer. But they say the most important task is going home with a win over JSU.

“We did it the first time and we’ll do it the second time,” Kay Snider said.

The “Band of the Year” competition takes place on Friday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Celebration Bowl will take place at the stadium on Saturday and will continue to be broadcast Channel 2 Action News at noon.

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