BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham hosts the 85th Magic City Classic on Saturday, Oct. 31, as Alabama A&M and Alabama State renew their SWAC rivalry at Legion Field with a downtown parade in the morning and a 2:30 p.m. kickoff.
The day starts at 8 a.m. with the Magic City Classic Parade, which steps off at 18th Street North and 7th Avenue North, loops along 6th Avenue North, 21st Street North and 4th Avenue North, and finishes at 16th Street North and 4th Avenue North. Organizers say it goes on rain or shine.
Gates at Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave. W., open at 12:30 p.m. General admission runs about $21.67 to $27.08 before fees, and reserved seats on either school side run about $31.73 to $39.67. ADA seating is in the south end zone.
Tailgaters in the west side lot face a few firm rules. Spaces cannot be saved or roped off, generators and RVs need exhaust risers, cars must stay in their assigned spots with the decal on the driver side windshield, and anyone who leaves must be back by 8 a.m. on game day to get back in.
Halftime brings the Battle of the Bands, pitting the two school marching bands against each other in one of the most anticipated traditions of the day.
The rivalry draws close to 150,000 alumni and fans to the city each year. This week, Alabama State coach Eddie Robinson Jr. publicly proposed creating a hall of fame for the Classic, and Alabama A&M coach Sam Shade backed the idea. The game has been played at Legion Field without interruption, making the stadium a natural home for such a hall.
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Filed under: Birmingham AL Sports News
