Birmingham, AL, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham is gearing up for the 84th Annual Magic City Classic, the largest HBCU football event in the U.S. The Alabama A&M Bulldogs will face the Alabama State Hornets at Legion Field, with a variety of festivities including a free Tailgate Festival featuring performances by popular artists. Attendees are advised to follow security measures and transportation arrangements to ensure a smooth experience.
Birmingham, AL – Preparations Underway for the 84th Annual Magic City Classic Featuring Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State
The Magic City Classic, the largest HBCU football event in the U.S., is set for its 84th edition this year, bringing excitement and community spirit to Birmingham, AL. The highly anticipated match, which will see the Alabama A&M Bulldogs take on the defending champions, the Alabama State Hornets, is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. on game day.
The event will take place at Legion Field, located at 400 Graymont Ave. W in Birmingham, AL, and promises a week full of festivities leading up to the game. Activities include the annual Magic City Classic Tailgate Festival, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23. This festival is free and open to the public, with gates opening at 3 p.m., a pre-show at 5 p.m., and live performances starting at 6 p.m.. Attendees can enjoy performances by artists including Ashanti, October London, and the band Zapp.
For those attending the Tailgate Festival, it is advised to bring lawn chairs, as tents are not permitted. Furthermore, attendees can expect stringent security measures, which include designated checkpoints and a clear bag policy at all events to ensure a safe environment.
To facilitate transportation, free shuttle services are available by calling 205-521-0101. Additionally, on game day, roads surrounding Legion Field will be closed without the appropriate parking pass. The parade route will also have restricted access, and vehicles parked in violation of regulations may be subjected to towing.
The stadium will have four parking lots available, which will close at 9 a.m. on game day. Shuttles will operate between Legion Field and offsite parking areas. While tailgating spaces for the event are sold out, restroom facilities will be accessible from all sides of the stadium. For health and safety, first aid stations will be located at the north, south, east, and west sides of the stadium, with an additional care center trailer on the east side.
For convenience, a detailed list of permitted items for the event can be found on the official event website. The Magic City Classic is embraced by fans and alumni alike as a cherished tradition, creating lasting memories and attracting visitors from all over the country.
Key Event Details
- Event: 84th Annual Magic City Classic
- Date: October 23, 2023
- Location: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave. W, Birmingham, AL
- Kickoff Time: 2:30 p.m.
- Tailgate Festival: Free event starting at 3 p.m. with performances at 6 p.m.
- Transportation: Free shuttles available, restricted road access on game day
- Parking: Four parking lots available, closing at 9 a.m.
FAQ
What is the Magic City Classic?
The Magic City Classic is the largest HBCU football event in the U.S.
When is the game scheduled to take place?
The game is scheduled for October 23, 2023, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m.
Where is the event taking place?
The event will take place at Legion Field, located at 400 Graymont Ave. W in Birmingham, AL.
Is there a Tailgate Festival, and when will it occur?
Yes, the Tailgate Festival is free and open to the public, occurring on Thursday, Oct. 23, starting at 3 p.m. with performances beginning at 6 p.m.
How will transportation be handled for attendees?
Free transportation is available by calling 205-521-0101, with shuttles running between Legion Field and offsite parking areas.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Magic City Classic |
| Event Date | October 23, 2023 |
| Kickoff Time | 2:30 p.m. |
| Location | Legion Field, Birmingham, AL |
| Tailgate Festival Date | October 23, 2023 |
| Tailgate Festival Time | 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Selling Items | Parking pass required, clear bag policy |
| First Aid Stations | Available at all sides of the stadium |
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Additional Resources
- WVTM 13
- CBS 42
- ABC 33/40
- Rocket City Now
- Birmingham Times
- 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.
