Reviewed by: Matt Scalici
Your guide to the 83rd Magic City Classic in Birmingham
Reading time: 4 minutes
We are past the midway point of October and that can only mean one thing: the Magic City Classic is near.
There is already a buzz in the air around Birmingham and across the state as one of the most prestigious HBCU football rivalries is set to kick off at Legion Field on Oct. 26. But the Classic is about a lot more than just the football game.
Keep reading to find out all the information you need for the week including details on the parade, tailgating + the big game.
Schedule of events
While some of the official events do not get started until Wednesday, the entire week will be filled with activities connected to the Magic City Classic.
Exhibition Opening Celebration, Birmingham Museum of Art
Sunday, Oct. 20 | 1-5PM
In conjunction with Magic City Classic week, this event will have all the makings of a proper homecoming celebration including a warm welcome from the Lawson State Cheer Squad, a performance by Miles College Choir, a drumline experience, face painting, and food trucks – plus the added entertainment of two exciting exhibitions. This festival is free and open to the public.
Classic Cocktails: Magic City Classic Kickoff Party, Birmingham Public Library
Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 5:30-9PM
Whether you’re a fan of the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs or the Alabama State University Hornets—or simply want to experience the excitement leading up to this historic sports competition—Classic Cocktails promises to be a night to remember! Participating in Classic Cocktails will help the Birmingham Public Library continue to provide the community with the highest-quality experience of lifelong learning & cultural enrichment. Tickets are $40 per person.
UAB Medicine and Cooper Green Career Connections, The Forum Conference Center
Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 3-6PM
This event will provide a casual environment where you can chat with recruiters and build meaningful connections with industry leaders and hiring managers from UAB Medicine and Cooper Green.
Magic City Breakfast, The Harbert Center
Thursday, Oct. 24 | 7:30-9AM
The 2024 Birmingham Business Alliance Magic City HBCU Breakfast will focus on the essential collaboration between the business community and HBCUs. General admission tickets are $75. This year’s event will feature Keynote Speaker Lodriguez Murray—United Negro College Fund’s Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs.
McDonald’s Magic City Classic Parade
Saturday starts bright and early with the annual parade that features both school’s marching bands.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Time: 8AM
- Start: Corner of 18th St. and 7th Ave. North
- End: Corner of 16th St. and 4th Ave. North
- Route map | More info
The parade will be led by the famous McDonald’s float carrying celebrities and the game Ambassador, actor Omari Hardwick.
It will be broadcast live on Fox 6 in Birmingham, as well as Gray Television affiliates in Huntsville, Montgomery, Dothan and Mobile.
Tailgating
Another main portion of the weekend is the tailgating. After the parade, start making your way toward Legion Field—if you don’t know how to get there, just follow the smell.
As you’re arriving to the stadium, the smell of some of the best gameday food you’ll ever experience hits you. Some tailgating spots are still available but you might be lucky enough to get a taste of some of the food if you’re just strolling through the area.
There will also be an official Magic City Classic tailgating party. Here’s what you need to know:
- What: Coors Light Tailgate Party
- When: 10AM-2PM
- Where: West side of Legion Field
- Free admission
Hornets vs. Bulldogs
The main event of the entire week is the football game as the two rivals meet on the field for the 80th consecutive season.
Alabama State has won the last two matchups but A&M still leads the all-time series, 44-41-3. Five of the last 10 meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less including a triple overtime thriller in 2019.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of kickoff:
- Who: Alabama State (3-3, 2-1 SWAC) vs. Alabama A&M (3-3, 1-1 SWAC)
- When: 2:30PM
- Where: Legion Field
- Watch: ESPNU
- Tickets
Will you be attending the 2024 Magic City Classic? Make sure to share your pictures + videos then tag The Bama Buzz on Instagram!
