84th Magic City Classic: Coaches, community leaders take the podium ahead of annual rivalry game

The 84th Magic City Classic is almost here as the oldest active HBCU football rivalry game takes center stage in Alabama this weekend.

Alabama State has won three straight games on the field under coach Eddie Robinson Jr., currently riding its longest winning streak in the series since the 90s. But Alabama A&M is being led by new coach Sam Shade this season, hoping he can turn the tide back in the Bulldogs’ favor.

Both coaches were in Birmingham on Wednesday for the annual pregame press conference, along with several representatives from Coca-Cola, Amazon and other sponsors.

Keep reading to see what both coaches had to say ahead of the game + what you need to know before kickoff.

’84 years of pride, legacy and tradition’

Before the game arrives on Saturday afternoon, more than 100,000 people are expected to come together at events across Birmingham to celebrate the week of the Magic City Classic.

“This continues to be the most amazing event in Birmingham. And yes, as my good friend Mayor Woodfin likes to say, this is still the largest HBCU classic in the world… This is still the largest guaranteed payout in HBCU athletics history.”

Perren King, Executive Director of the Amazon Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola

King was the MC of Wednesday’s event held at the Coca-Cola United offices in east Birmingham. Other speakers in attendance included:

• Mike Suco, President + CEO of Coca-Cola United Bottling Company
• Donetta Houser-Sly, HR Director, Amazon North America People Experience & Technology
• Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham
• Fred McPherson, Amazon
• Scott Smith, Coca-Cola United Representative
• Terri Sewell, US Representative
• Dayna Lee Libby, Disney on the Yard Reprsentative

The theme of the day for each speaker was community and tradition. Everyone knows the football game is the reason people come together at Legion Field but the impact from the rivalry is felt well beyond the field.

“Beyond the four quarters, beyond the fifth quarter, the amazing halftime show, beyond the parade, beyond the gridiron and what all of that means for bragging rights for one year, this tradition goes deeper. The investments we make in our next generation… these are fundamental game-changers in how we show up as HBCUs giving to the next generation.”

Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham

King took time to recognize both university presidents, speaking on progress being done on both campuses + the record enrollment for each school this year.

There was even an appearance from drum major Mickey Mouse who will be part of the halftime show again this year through a partnership with Disney on the Yard.

Disney is also bring ESPN’s First Take to the city Friday, airing a live episode from Legion Field with Stephen A. Smith and former Auburn star Cam Newton.

King said tickets have already been sold in more than 30 states ahead of Saturday’s game.

“Whether this is your first Classic or your 20th Classic, the Classic is truly an experience. It’s not just about fun and fellowship, it’s about community. It’s about tradition. And we are very proud to be able to welcome you right here to the Magic City for this Classic.”

Rep. Terri Sewell

‘We know the importance of winning this game’

While the impact will of the game will be felt well outside Legion Field, the weekend is still centered around what happens on the football field. And Alabama State fans are hoping it’s more of the same for the Hornets.

“This is a special game. Not just a game but a special week for the city of Birmingham and all the people that are going to come into town. But like Mr. (Perren) King said ‘it’s football time.’ I told our players last week the Magic City Classic is not for us, the game is for us.”

Sam Shade, Alabama A&M coach

Alabama State sits at 4-2 overall + 2-1 in SWAC play this season, losing close games to UAB and Jackson State. Meanwhile, Alabama A&M is 4-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play.

Hornets’ QB Andrew Body, who was in attendance Wednedsay, is a big reason for the team’s success to this point in the season. He’s completed 69 percent of his passes, accounting for more than 1800 yards of offense and 16 total touchdowns through six games.

“We love being a part of this game. Personally, my biggest week of the year is the last Saturday of October. Where else would you want to be?… Our intention is to go out there and get another W. We know the importance of winning this game for our alumni and our fanbase.”

Eddie Robinson Jr., Alabama State head coach

Shade, who is in his first year with the Bulldogs, credited Body and the Alabama State team with what they have accomplished, saying they’re just a couple of plays away from being undefeated this season.

Of course, there was some friendly trash talk between the two coaches like there usually is during the annual press conference. Shade said he commended Alabama State for having a winning record this season… so far.

And Robinson returned by reminding everyone that Shade actually was raised on the Alabama State side of the rivalry, thanks to his mother, an ASU graduate. But Shade said he has plenty of connections on both sides, including a wife that went to Alabama A&M.

“I was a football guy. Basically what I did, I just watched the game. I just liked watching the really good players on both sides of the ball.”

Sam Shade

Here’s what you need to know before kickoff:

• What: 84th Magic City Classic
• Who: Alabama State Hornets vs. Alabama A&M Bulldogs
• When: 2:30PM | Saturday, Oct. 25
• Where: Legion Field | Birmingham, AL
• Watch: ESPN+

Will you be attending the 2025 Magic City Classic? Make sure to share your pictures + videos then tag The Bama Buzz on Instagram!