From Gaming Glory to NFL Insider: HBCU Tournament’s Unique Prizes

The National Football League (NFL) has flung open the doors for registration to its fourth annual EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 24 x HBCU Tournament, exclusively tailored for students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Set against the electrifying backdrop of the NFL Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, scheduled for February 4, 2024, this event aspires to give HBCU students not just a competitive platform but also a window into the high-octane world of sports business.

Contestants can secure their championship berth through one of three channels: Open Qualifiers, Women’s Qualifiers, or the unique HBCU Video Applications. Spread over three months, the qualifiers commence in October, extending into December. To top it off, the gaming prowess can be exhibited on a range of devices, from PCs to the latest Xbox Series X or S and PlayStation 5.

Wondering how you can be part of this grand event? HBCU undergraduates and postgraduates can showcase their skills in Madden NFL 24 or take the creative route by submitting a video, articulating why they deserve a spot in the championship. Ensure you hit the deadline by December 1!

Emerging as one of the top eight from this intense competition will offer students more than just a title. They’ll step into the shoes of an NFL executive, engage in media interviews, enjoy field access during the Pro Bowl, interact with NFL athletes, and more. Add to this the tantalizing allure of cash prizes and the event promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Mark these dates on your calendar:
  • Open Qualifiers stretch from October 28 to November 18.
  • The concluding bouts for Open and Women’s Qualifiers are slated for December 2 and 9, respectively.

Arthur McAfee, Senior VP at the NFL, commented on the annual Madden tournament, emphasizing its role in spotlighting HBCU gaming talent and fostering educational opportunities. Similarly, Ed Kiang, VP of Video Gaming at the NFL, expressed enthusiasm about offering students an insider’s peek into the NFL Pro Bowl Games.

This mammoth initiative finds a technical ally in Rally Cry, a company celebrated for crafting inclusive gaming adventures. Entrusted with orchestrating the qualifiers and marketing maneuvers, Rally Cry ensures seamless cross-platform game-play.

Stay tuned to the NFL YouTube channel, where the choicest moments will shine in the lead-up to the NFL Pro Bowl Games and Super Bowl LVIII.

The NFL’s commitment to HBCUs finds its roots in 2016, when they commenced the ‘Strength of HBCUs’ initiative. Today, this bond has only deepened, presenting HBCU students with myriad opportunities in the realm of sports.

For a more exhaustive lowdown on the Madden NFL 24 x HBCU Tournament, click here.

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