Football is back—what you need to know about this year’s Magic City Classic

The Magic City Classic returns this spring after rescheduling the fall game due to COVID-19. Now one of Birmingham’s favorite traditions is back, with a few adjustments. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this year’s game.

The McDonald’s Magic City Classic presented by Coca Cola is a longstanding Birmingham tradition, as Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University face off at Legion Field.

The basics

The Magic City Classic began in 1924 and has been an annual tradition since. This year’s game will be the first-ever spring game, following a conference-wide postponement of all fall sports. But besides the timing and crowd restrictions, the game is guaranteed to be as good as ever, played once again at Legion Field.

Below, get the basics for the game:

• Date: April 17, 2021
• Time: 6:30PM
• Location: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204

Get your tickets

Tickets for the 79th Magic City Classic are on sale now. A limited amount of reserved tickets are available this year (thanks COVID). These must be purchased in advance in order to get your seat inside the stadium. No general admission tickets will be sold.

Tickets will also be sold at Legion Field during a select number of days.

• Where: magiccityclassic.com, or Legion Field
• Price: $35

Gameday and festivities

Because of the pandemic, the Magic City Classic this year will look a little different. Instead of tailgating and parades, there will be DJ giveaways and virtual events to celebrate this decades-long rivalry. See the line-up below:

Friday, April 16—Classic Kick-off

• Time: 7PM
• What’s happening: The 79th Magic City Classic officially starts with virtual events like DJs, giveaways, and more.

Saturday, April 17—The Game

• Time: 6:30PM
• What’s happening: The two Southwestern Athletic Conference rivals will go head to head on the gridiron once again.

Keep up with the full schedule of events here.

Can’t make it?

Can’t make it to the stadium to watch the game in-person? Never fear, the McDonald’s Magic City Classic has a virtual option too. Catch the live broadcast on ESPNU (details below).

• Time: April 17, 6:30PM
• Where: ESPNU

If you’re planning to do a little at-home tailgating, check out the refreshing options from these four Birmingham breweries from this recent Bham Now article.

Learn more about the Music City Classic on its website, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out what’s going on with spring sports in Alabama with this recent Bama Buzz article.

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