ESPN REPORT: “World Shocked! Miami Hurricanes Marching Band Crowned #1 — How This Small-Town Powerhouse Rose to Global Glory and Made History!”
In a moment of historic recognition, the University of Miami’s renowned Frost Band of the Hour has officially been named the No. 1 collegiate marching band in the world—an accolade that has surprised fans and institutions worldwide.
Known for its energetic halftime performances and innovative musical arrangements, the Frost Band of the Hour has long been a staple of Miami Hurricanes football games. But in 2025, the band broke through to international acclaim, earning top honors for excellence in performance, innovation, and cultural impact.
The band’s journey to the top wasn’t an overnight story. Founded in 1933, the Frost Band of the Hour has spent decades building its legacy, from local performances in Coral Gables to global stages like Super Bowl LIV in 2020. That performance—featuring band members, dancers, and color guard in the Jennifer Lopez and Shakira halftime show—was viewed by over 114 million people worldwide and was a major turning point for the band’s global visibility.
Behind the band’s rise is the leadership of Director Dr. Craig S. McKenzie, who has championed a bold, modern direction. Under his guidance, the band expanded its musical range, incorporating jazz, Latin music, hip-hop, and popular hits into its field shows—bridging tradition with pop culture and drawing widespread appeal.
In 2024, the band received record-setting donations that allowed it to increase membership, upgrade equipment, and enhance student support—investments that paid off as the Frost Band of the Hour marched into 2025 as an elite ensemble.
Coach James Franklin of Penn State even weighed in on social media, calling the band “an absolute standard-setter for college performance groups,” further validating their success.
What started as a modest college marching band has now become a global phenomenon. From campus fields in South Florida to the international spotlight, the Frost Band of the Hour has marched its way into music history—one beat, one step, and one stunning performance at a time.