Tuscaloosa, Alabama, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band has been chosen to perform in the prestigious Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking their second appearance. Selected from a competitive pool of over 100 applicants, the band will receive a grant to assist in their preparations for the event. The anticipation builds as this marks not only a significant opportunity for the band but also the 100th celebration of the iconic parade. The band previously showcased their talent in their 2021 performance, earning recognition for their vibrant presence.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band has been selected to perform in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade scheduled for November 26, 2026. This prestigious announcement was made on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by officials at Macy’s. The Million Dollar Band, known for its association with the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football program, was chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 100 applicants and is one of just 10 marching bands to be selected for this significant event.
This upcoming parade marks the band’s second appearance; their first performance was in 2021. As part of its selection, the band will receive a $10,000 grant from Macy’s to assist with fundraising and preparation for the trip to New York City.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a longstanding American holiday tradition that began in 1924 and has since attracted millions of spectators both in-person and via television broadcasts. On average, the event draws approximately 44 million viewers and about 3.5 million in-person attendees in New York City. Historically, the parade has only been canceled during World War II, specifically from 1942 to 1944, due to material shortages and travel restrictions.
Participating in the parade requires each selected band to undergo a rigorous preparation process, which can last up to 18 months. Plans for how the Million Dollar Band will be featured in the 2026 parade have yet to be finalized, though new arrangements are expected to be created for their performance. The band previously delivered an impressive performance during its 2021 appearance, which earned them a prime-time slot on the televised broadcast.
Ken Ozzello, the University of Alabama Director of Bands, expressed honor and excitement regarding this exceptional opportunity to represent Alabama. Sara Flores, an associate producer for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, also emphasized the energy and excitement that the Million Dollar Band is expected to bring to the event, particularly given its significant milestone as the 100th celebration of the parade.
At the announcement event held at Bryant-Denny Stadium, band members celebrated the news with enthusiasm, showcasing their spirit by wearing matching gear and participating in a joyful assembly. The Million Dollar Band is known as one of the most recognized college marching bands in the nation and has a reputation that precedes it within the marching arts community.
The band’s previous performances have included arrangements of popular songs, and there is anticipation that the band will incorporate new elements into their upcoming participation in the parade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What event will the Million Dollar Band participate in?
The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band has been selected to perform in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade scheduled for November 26, 2026.
When was the announcement made?
The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by Macy’s officials.
How many bands were selected for the parade?
The Million Dollar Band was chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 100 applicants; it is one of 10 marching bands to be selected for the event.
Has the Million Dollar Band performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before?
This will be the second time the Million Dollar Band has participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; their first performance was in 2021.
Will the band receive funding for the event?
The band will receive a $10,000 grant from Macy’s to assist with fundraising and preparation for the trip to New York City.
What is the significance of the 2026 parade?
The 2026 parade marks a significant milestone as the 100th celebration of the event.
What kind of audience does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade attract?
The event draws an estimated annual audience of 44 million viewers and approximately 3.5 million in-person attendees in New York City.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade | Scheduled for November 26, 2026, marking its 100th celebration. |
| Band Selection | One of 10 bands selected from over 100 applicants. |
| Previous Participation | The Million Dollar Band previously performed in the 2021 parade. |
| Funding | The band will receive a $10,000 grant for preparation and fundraising. |
| Audience Reach | Attracts approximately 44 million viewers and 3.5 million attendees. |
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Additional Resources
- Tuscaloosa News
- Wikipedia: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Tuscaloosa Thread
- Google Search: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Patch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- WBRC
- Google News: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- WVUA 23 News
- Google Scholar: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
