Howard University Bison Men's Basketball: Tradition, Rivalry, and Rising on the National Stage
Howard University's men's basketball program, blending rich HBCU tradition with a rising national profile, is generating excitement for the upcoming season. Founded in 1911 in Washington, D.C., the Bison boast multiple MEAC regular-season and tournament titles, including back-to-back crowns in 2023 and 2024 under head coach Kenny Blakeney, and NCAA Tournament trips spanning 1981, 1992, 2023 and 2024. With a challenging schedule, dedicated coaching staff, and passionate fanbase, the Bison are poised to make a statement both on and off the court.
A Challenging Schedule
The Howard University Department of Athletics has released the 2025-2026 men’s basketball schedule, featuring a competitive mix of non-conference matchups against Power 5 teams, HBCU rivalries, and a challenging Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) slate. The Bison will open the regular season Monday, Nov. 3, hosting the University of Missouri at Burr Gymnasium. The game will be the first of four home games before the Bison hit the road and prepare for the Brotherhood Run MTE, a three-day tournament at Duke University’s hallowed Cameron Indoor Arena Nov. 21-23. During the tournament, the Bison will play Niagara and perennial college basketball powerhouse Duke, where Blakeney was a part of the 1991 and 1992 NCAA championship teams and served as a captain his senior year with the Blue Devils. Following games against St. Mary’s College, Mt. St. Mary’s and Bowie State University, the Bison return to Durham to face the North Carolina A&T Aggies Dec. 9.
Head Coach Kenny Blakeney, entering his seventh season at the helm, emphasized the importance of the schedule in continuing Howard’s rise on the national stage. “We built this schedule with purpose. Each game, whether it’s a Power Five opponent, a regional rival, or our MEAC conference battles, gives our student-athletes the chance to compete at the highest level while representing Howard University with pride,” Blakeney said. “This schedule will be incredibly challenging for us as we face eight different programs that made the NCAA Tournament last season. The schedule also includes a return to CareFirst Arean, where the Bison will face Hampton University in the Battle for the Real HU Saturday, Dec. 13. The game will be a doubleheader featuring Howard University’s women’s team, which will also take on the Hampton Pirates.
The Bison kick off 2026 on the road in Orangeburg, S.C. where they will begin MEAC play against South Carolina State University. Their first home game of 2026 will be on Monday, Jan. 12 against MEAC rival Delaware State University. This year, the Bison will once again host Morehouse College for the MLK, Jr. Day Classic Monday, Jan. 19. February is full of MEAC play with one exception, as the Bison play host to Ivy League Yale University Monday, Feb. 9. The MEAC Tournament will take place in Norfolk, Virginia, March 11 through 14, and the Bison look to rebound from a hard-fought 91-90 loss to Morgan State in the first round of the 2025 tournament.
The Blakeney Era: Building a Culture of Excellence
“This is a group of young men who have bought into #TheDreamFactory culture and immersed themselves in our campus community,” Blakeney said. “People throughout the DMV as well as all of Bison Nation will be proud of the way this team competes each night while representing Howard across their chest.”
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Blakeney is excited about the upcoming season and believes others will share in the excitement with him. “Our fans should be excited about the opportunities this schedule provides. We want Burr Gymnasium to be packed when we’re home, and we also want to show everyone what Howard basketball is all about when we’re on the road,” Blakeney added.
The Electric Atmosphere of Burr Gymnasium
Game nights at Burr Gymnasium are intimate and electric, with the Showtime pep band, Greek life energy, and the signature H-U! You know! call echoing from a roaring student section.
Rivalries That Define the Program
Rivalries like the Battle of the Real HU with Hampton and MEAC showdowns with Norfolk State keep stakes high.
Securing Your Spot: Ticket Information
Ready to feel the buzz in person? No matter what you're looking to spend, Vivid Seats has tickets to fit your budget. Currently, Howard tickets start at $27, with an average price of $27. Prices vary by opponent, date, and seat location. The cheapest sections to sit in at a Howard game will depend on the specific matchup. However, the cheapest section is typically GA.
There's been no shortage of memorable Howard games. Howard vs. Howard vs. Howard vs. Yes, Howard University Bison Men's Basketball suite tickets are often available for Howard University Bison Men's Basketball home games at Burr Gymnasium, although availability varies by matchup and demand. Session Tickets: Coverage for one session (typically two games). All-Session Tickets (Full Strip): Access to all three sessions at a single site-usually six games total.
Read also: Discover the scholarship at Howard University's History Department
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Absolutely. Vivid Seats uses All-In Pricing, so you'll see the full cost of a Howard ticket, including fees, upfront as you shop. If your event is canceled, you'll receive a full refund. If an event has been postponed or rescheduled, rest assured that your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. For some rescheduled events, the primary source of the tickets will reissue all previously purchased tickets with new bar codes.
Rewards and Optimal Viewing
Yes! Vivid Seats offers a leading ticket loyalty program: Vivid Seats Rewards. Fans earn credit on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future tickets. Many fans consider center-court seats in the lower level to be the best seats at Burr Gymnasium for Howard games since they offer a clear, balanced view of all the action. Regular season college basketball games air across CBS Sports, ESPN, FOX, NBC, and each conference's dedicated network (like SEC Network or Big Ten Network).
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