WASHINGTON (August 3, 2026) - Audi Field will host the "Battle of the Real HU" college football game between Howard University and Hampton University Saturday (Oct. 3) with kickoff set for 3 p.m. (ET). The game will stream live on HBCU GO, along with broadcast syndication in major U.S. TV markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta and more (check local listings).
 
"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 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 holds a 58-44-1 advantage in the all-time series against Howard with the Bison claiming the most recent meeting with a 34-7 victory (Sept. 20, 2025), in front of 18,672 fans at Audi Field.
 
"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."

In 2021, the matchup debuted at Audi Field as the "Truth and Service Classic" with the Hampton Pirates defeating the Howard Bison, 48-22, in the inaugural game (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 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 101^st 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."

To secure priority access for suites, all-inclusive club tickets and general tickets for the game, sign up for priority access HERE. Those who sign up will receive exclusive entry to the pre-sale Thursday (Aug. 13) at 10 a.m. (ET) before tickets go on sale to the general public.
 
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 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.
 
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 (2022 & 2023) and have continued to elevate the program with nationally televised appearances.
 
On Aug. 29, Howard opens the 2026 season against Alabama A&M in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com, and/or the Audi Field website at www.audifielddc.com.