Hampton University Pirates fans and supporters everywhere will be tuning in this Thanksgiving to see and hear the Hampton University Marching Force and its thunderous sound in the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

This annual Thanksgiving spectacular ushers in the start of the holiday season as marching bands, floats, music stars and giant helium inflated characters parade down a 2.5-mile route starting at 77th Street and Central Park West to end at 7th Avenue in front of Macy’s Herald Square.

The parade, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 25, when Santa makes an appearance, will be broadcast live on NBC and Telemundo.

The Hampton University Marching Force was selected from more than 100 applicants to be among nine bands to march in the Macy’s parade in 2020. But the invitation was deferred until this year because of COVID-19.

“This opportunity will allow Hampton University to once again shine on the worldwide stage in front of the millions in attendance and others watching from across the globe,” stated Hampton University President William R. Harvey.

He added that the Marching Force, under the direction of Dr. Thomas Jones, is “an elite group of talented young musi- cians and dancers who are academically accomplished.” He stated the band upholds the standard of excellence as “being one of the best marching bands in the nation.”

Wesley Whatley, creative producer of the Macy’s Thanks- giving Day Parade, cited the band’s “explosive energy” and how it “delivers outstanding, entertaining shows that, time and time again, bring the crowd to their feet.”

“We look forward to introducing the talented students of Hampton University to our parade audience,” he said.

The Hampton University Marching Force has a history of wowing crowds around the globe. The band performed in the 2020 Rome New Year’s Day Parade in Italy; in President Obama’s inaugural parade in 2009; and at the 16th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands in 2018 before 62,000 fans at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The band’s drumline also performed in the 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif.