Birmingham, October 27, 2025
News Summary
The 84th Magic City Classic took place in Birmingham, attracting over 120,000 fans. Alabama State University emerged victorious against Alabama A&M, winning 56-13. Surprisingly, the weekend was incident-free, marking a successful event for the community and organizers. The economic impact is projected to be around $25 million for central Alabama, reflecting the classic’s importance in promoting HBCU culture and community spirit through celebrations and festivities.
Birmingham—The 84th Magic City Classic, a celebrated football event, took place this past weekend, successfully drawing over 120,000 fans from Alabama A&M University (AAMU) and Alabama State University (ASU) to Birmingham. The classic concluded with Alabama State claiming victory over Alabama A&M, with a score of 56-13, marking ASU’s fourth consecutive win in the competition.
Birmingham Police reported no significant incidents during the Magic City Classic weekend, which was a significant relief for organizers and attendees alike. Chief Michael Pickett emphasized the positive atmosphere generated during this major event, noting its status as the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) event in the nation.
The economic impact of the Magic City Classic was significant, with projections indicating around $25 million in benefits for central Alabama. This boost was felt throughout the Smithfield community and all 99 neighborhoods in Jefferson County. As a result, hotel accommodations and car rentals were difficult to secure leading up to the event, showcasing the high demand generated by the influx of attendees.
The weekend festivities featured a vibrant parade with bands, dance teams, and local entertainers, all celebrating the rich culture of HBCUs. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Representative Terri Sewell, and Senator Rodger Smitherman were among notable figures who participated in the parade. In addition to enjoying the parade, fans gathered early to engage in tailgating activities, where local food vendors offered traditional barbecue and a variety of other dishes.
The event also received national attention as ESPN’s “First Take,” led by Stephen A. Smith, covered the Magic City Classic live, further emphasizing the importance of HBCU culture and its role in American society. Fans who attended highlighted the sense of community and enjoyment that permeated throughout the events surrounding the classic.
Both Alabama A&M and Alabama State have a rich history filled with challenges that they have overcome, contributing to the pride shared within their academic and cultural achievements. The continued celebration of such events underscores their significance in promoting unity and tradition among HBCU communities.
Overall, the Magic City Classic proved to be not only a thrilling football matchup but also a showcase of community spirit and economic significance for Birmingham and central Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Magic City Classic?
What was the economic impact of the 84th Magic City Classic?
How many fans were expected for the Magic City Classic weekend?
What was the outcome of the football game?
What activities took place surrounding the Magic City Classic?
Key Features of the Magic City Classic
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | 2025 |
| Attendance | More than 120,000 fans |
| Teams Competing | Alabama A&M University vs. Alabama State University |
| Score | ASU 56 – AAMU 13 |
| Economic Impact | $25 million for central Alabama |
| Notable Guests | Birmingham Mayor, US Representative, and State Senator |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WVTM 13: Magic City Classic Parade Tailgate
- AL.com: Andrew Body Alabama State Swarm Alabama A&M
- Yellowhammer News: Record Crowd Expected at Magic City Classic
- AL.com: ESPN’s First Take Celebrates HBCU Culture
- WSFA: Alabama State Rolls Past Alabama A&M
- Wikipedia: Magic City Classic
- Google Search: Magic City Classic
- Google Scholar: Magic City Classic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Magic City Classic
- Google News: Magic City Classic
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
