Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University will welcome supporters of the Marching Southerners on Thursday, April 2, for a special fundraising event aimed at supporting the band’s upcoming trip to Pasadena, California, where they will perform in the 138th Rose Parade Presented by Honda on January 1, 2027.
The event, titled “An Evening with Terry Madigan,” will begin at 5:30 p.m. inside the UREC Multi-Court Gym. The evening will feature Terry Madigan, President and Chairman of the Board for the 2027 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. Madigan previously announced the Marching Southerners’ selection during halftime of Jacksonville State’s Homecoming game last fall.
During the event, Madigan is expected to provide insight into the history and significance of the Rose Parade, as well as what participation means for bands selected to perform on such a prominent national stage.
Tickets are priced at $250 per couple and $150 for individuals, with limited seating available. Each ticket includes VIP parking and reserved seating for the annual Band-O-Rama concert, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Pete Mathews Coliseum.
Band-O-Rama will feature several of Jacksonville State’s concert ensembles, including the Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Chamber Winds. The concert provides attendees an opportunity to continue the evening while enjoying performances from student musicians, many of whom are also members of the Marching Southerners.
Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University, highlighted the significance of the event and the university’s role in hosting guests.
“This is a special opportunity for Jacksonville State University to welcome Terry Madigan and his team to campus and to share with them the pride we have in the Marching Southerners and in this university,” Killingsworth said. “We are excited to extend the hospitality of The Friendliest Campus in the South while showcasing the excellence and spirit that make Jax State distinctive. The Rose Parade gives our students and our institution unprecedented visibility, and we are proud to invite supporters to help make that journey possible.”
The Rose Parade is one of the most widely recognized events of its kind, drawing more than 700,000 spectators along the parade route and reaching an estimated global audience of more than 78 million viewers.
Jacksonville State University’s participation will place the institution on an international stage while continuing the Marching Southerners’ tradition of performing at high-profile events.
University officials have set a fundraising goal of $2.4 million to cover travel expenses and uniform replacements for the band.
Dr. Jeremy Stovall, Director of Bands, emphasized the importance of community support in making the trip possible.
“This evening is another exciting part of the journey to Pasadena,” Stovall said. “The opportunity to perform in the Rose Parade is an extraordinary honor for our students and a chance to represent Jax State in front of millions of viewers around the world. Support from alumni, friends, and our community is what helps create these life-changing experiences, and we are grateful for everyone who wants to be part of it.”
The Marching Southerners are recognized as one of the largest collegiate marching bands in the nation. In 2025, the band included 484 members, with a total travel group of 527 individuals, including directors and support staff.
Tournament of Roses guidelines require at least 95 percent participation among band members, making fundraising efforts essential to ensure that students can attend.
In addition to travel costs, funds will also support the replacement of band uniforms, which are scheduled for renewal after a decade of use.
Dr. Alan Medders, Vice President for Philanthropy, noted that the initiative extends beyond funding a single trip.
“This effort is about more than funding a trip,” Medders said. “It is about making sure the Marching Southerners are fully prepared to represent Jacksonville State University at the highest level on an international stage. The uniforms are due for replacement, and there is no better time to invest in that need than as these students prepare to perform before one of the largest audiences in the world.”
Guests attending the event will also enjoy a live performance by a select ensemble from the Marching Southerners, offering a preview of the group’s musical talent ahead of their appearance in California.
Organizers note that proceeds from the evening will directly support the band’s preparation and travel, helping ensure that participating students can take part in what is expected to be one of the most significant opportunities in the program’s history.
