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

Magic City Classic
The Magic City Classic is back! Photo via Pat Byington for Bham Now

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

Magic City Classic Logo
The largest HBCU classic returns to Birmingham this spring. Photo via McDonald’s Magic City Classic

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

Legion Field
Who’s ready to be back at Legion Field watching the game? Photo via Pat Byington for Bham Now

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.

Gameday and festivities

2019 Magic City Classic
Halftime at the 2019 Magic City Classic. Photo via Pat Byington for Bham Now

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?

Magic City Classic
Although Legion Field won’t look nearly this packed this year, the game is sure to be a good one. Photo via Pat Byington for Bham Now

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.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see more stories like this from around Alabama.

Claire Hancock
Claire Hancock
Articles: 26