The 84th annual Magic City Classic, one of the largest HBCU events in the nation, returns to Birmingham this week.
The event is expected to generate a $25 million economic impact for Alabama and draw roughly 200,000 participants, including around 60,000 attending the game at Legion Field.
Full Schedule of Events
The festivities kick off Friday, October 24, with ESPN’s First Take broadcasting live from Historic Legion Field. Stephen A. Smith and Cam Newton will host the show from 9 to 11 a.m., with free admission available by RSVP.
On Saturday morning, the Magic City Classic Parade, presented by Disney on the Yard, marches through downtown Birmingham beginning at 8 a.m.
Marching bands and dance teams from Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University will entertain spectators in this free, rain-or-shine event.
Tailgate and Game Day
The Coors Light Pregame Tailgate, presented by Coca-Cola, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Legion Field’s west parking lot, featuring sponsor activations, giveaways, and live entertainment.
The annual football matchup between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University begins at 2:30 p.m., culminating in the famed halftime Battle of the Bands.
Classic Legacy
Since 1945, the Magic City Classic has been an uninterrupted tradition. Alabama A&M currently leads the series 43-37-3, and this year’s game continues the rivalry that has become the No. 1 HBCU classic in the country.
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