Audi Field to Host “Battle of the Real HU” Football Game Between Hampton University and Howard University
Audi Field to Host “Battle of the Real HU” Football Game Between Hampton University and Howard University
Pre-Sale Priority Access to Purchase Tickets begins on August 13
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 3, 2026) – Audi Field will host the “Battle of the Real HU” college football game between home team Hampton University and visiting team Howard University on Saturday, October 3 with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET. The game will stream live on HBCU GO, as well as in broadcast syndication in major U.S. TV markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta, and more (check local listings).
Formerly known as the “Truth and Service Classic”, the game has been rebranded as the “Battle of the Real HU,” aligning the event’s official name with the rivalry’s long-standing and widely recognized identity. To secure priority access for suites, all-inclusive club tickets and general tickets for the game on October 3, sign up for priority access HERE. Those who sign up will receive exclusive entry to the pre-sale on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. ET before tickets go on sale to the general public.
“Audi Field exists to give this city’s biggest moments a stage, and this rivalry has become one of them,” said Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations for D.C. United. “Hampton and Howard bring generations of pride into this building every time they meet here. Students, alumni, families, bands, all of it. We are honored to host it again, and our job is to make sure the game gets the setting it deserves.”
This rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in HBCU football history, dating back to 1908. It stems from both Howard and Hampton University debating which institution is the “Real HU”, a friendly tradition that has fueled generations of school pride among students and alumni. The game is a celebration of the legacy and culture of two historic programs who have helped shape the landscape of college football and advance the tradition of HBCU excellence. Hampton University holds a 58-44-1 advantage in the all-time series against Howard University, with Howard claiming the most recent meeting with a 34-7 victory on September 20, 2025, in front of 18,672 fans at Audi Field.
“The Hampton–Howard game is one of the iconic rivalries in HBCU football, and we are grateful to our partners at Audi Field for continuing to provide a premier stage for the Battle for the REAL HU in its 101st meeting,” said Hampton Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. “Hosting this historic HBCU rivalry in such a first-class professional venue underscores the significance of the game and our shared commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience. We appreciate Danita Johnson and her team for their continued collaboration in helping us showcase Hampton Football, our university, and HBCU excellence to a broader audience from the nation’s capital this upcoming season.”
The matchup debuted at Audi Field in 2021 as the “Truth and Service Classic” with the Hampton Pirates defeating the Howard Bison 48-22 in the inaugural game on Sept. 18, 2021. The Pirates currently hold a 3-1 record against the Bison at Audi Field, with Hampton winning in 2021, 2023 and 2024. Audi Field has become the home of one of HBCU football’s marquee events, providing a national stage for this historic rivalry to continue to grow.
“The Battle of the Real HU is one of the country’s most anticipated events in the college landscape,” said Howard University Vice President of Athletics Kery Davis. “This event brings together two prestigious institutions in Howard and Hampton that showcase tradition, pride, legacy and HBCU excellence. I look forward to seeing Bison Nation in full effect as we continue our bragging rights on the gridiron.”
Howard University has long been recognized as one of the premier programs in HBCU football, competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) since its founding in 1970. It has built a legacy that includes multiple conference championships, Black College National Championships, and appearances in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs. Recently, the Bison won back-to-back MEAC Championships in 2022 and 2023 and have continued to elevate the program with nationally televised appearances. Howard opens the 2026 season away from home on Aug. 29 against Alabama A&M in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta.
Hampton University has competed as a member of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) since 2022, continuing the programs growth after spending four seasons in the Big South Conference. One of the premier programs in HBCU football, the Pirates moved to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 1995 after more than eight decades in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and have claimed seven Black College Championships, most recently in 2006. Hampton enters a new era in 2026 under first-year head coach Van Malone, who was hired in December 2025. The Pirates open their season at home against Virginia University of Lynchburg on Aug. 29.
To register interest in attending the “Battle of the Real HU” or the additional activities that weekend, please visit www.audifield.com. Everyone who registers for the game HERE will receive access to an exclusive ticket pre-sale on Thursday, Aug. 13 prior to the public on sale.
If interested in bringing a group to the game, please call 202-600-9098 or email Tickets@DCUnited.com
About Audi Field
The iconic 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium is nestled in a prime location along the capitol riverfront, the fastest growing area in downtown D.C, and is the permanent home of D.C. United, the Washington Spirit, DC Power Football Club, and the DC Defenders.
Opened in July 2018, Audi Field is a premiere entertainment and event destination and was the host of the 2023 MLS All-Star Game vs. Arsenal FC. Complete with 500 premium field-level seats, 31 luxury suites, and one of the steepest stadium grades in sports, Audi Field offers fans a truly unique gameday experience. The stadium houses various events year-round from corporate outings, music festivals, and world class international sporting events from the Premier League Lacrosse to College Football, and more.
For more information, please visit www.audifield.com and find us on social media at @AudiField.