If you haven’t kicked off your Classic weekend yet, step in!
ByJHDaniel
Reading time: 4 minutes
It’s time for the nation’s biggest HBCU Classic game!
Birmingham’s iconic Magic City Classic celebrates its 76th year on the field. While pregame events started Thursday, it’s not too late to get in on the fun before the highest attended Division I FCS game kicks off Saturday.
Before you join in-state rivals, Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University at Legion Field on Saturday, be sure to show your game-day (and Birmingham) pride at one of the many events happening before and after the big game.
Don’t Miss Any More Fun!
This morning Hoover native Briana Kinsey spoke at the Magic City Classic scholarship breakfast for ASU and Alabama A&M. Kinsey won 3rd runner up in this year’s Miss America, representing the District of Columbia.
If you weren’t there, you missed some thoughtful remarks from a real Alabama beauty. Don’t worry, though. There’s plenty more Classic events to attend. Details below!
Free Concert And More
This afternoon the City of Birmingham’s Bicentennial Celebration begins at 4:30. It’s free and located at 3rd Avenue North and 18th Street downtown. Both the Alabama A&M and Alabama State University bands are set to perform.
At 8 PM, Ruben Studdard and Bo Bice hit the stage at the Lyric Theatre, along with the Temptations Review, Jennifr Holliday and a 50-piece orchestra conducted by Dr. Henry Panion. You can purchase tickets by visiting this link.
Game Day Fun
The McDonald’s Magic City Classic Parade starts at 8 AM on Saturday, October 28. Don’t miss the bands and dance teams from Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University as they sparkle and shine before the game.
Here’s a link to this year’s parade route.
Time To Tailgate, Classic Style
The Coors Light Tailgate Party prides itself as the place to be before the game. Situated on the west side of Legion Field stadium, the party lasts from 10 AM till 2 PM. Don’t miss artists like: Do or Die, Lil Scrappy, Trinidad Cardona, 24 Hours, Symplicity, Sammie, Joyce Irby from Klymaxx, and Route 5.
New for 2017 is the Academy Sports and Outdoor Cookoff. The cookoff lasts from 9:45 AM till 11 AM. Visit the Academy Sports area in the Tailgate Party to see 3 top grilling tailgaters vie for the title of Classic Cookoff Champ.
Dwayne Thompson of Big Daddy Bomb BBQ Sauces will host. Cheer on your favorite ASU, AAMU and Birmingham contestants while local DJs Nu York, Darryl Johnson and Funnymaine) partner with contestants for the event.
Beyond bragging rights, 1st place takes home $1,000 Academy Sports Giftcard. Academy will also give a $500 giftcard to both 2nd and 3rd place.
Classic Kickoff Time
ASU and AAMU battle on the gridiron beginning at 2:30 PM. Cheer on your Bulldogs or your Hornets with 70,000 of your closest friends. Don’t forget the MCC boasts the best half time show around, featuring the Mighty Marching Hornets and the Marching Maroon & White! Doors open 2 hours prior to game time.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! RESERVED: $35 GENERAL ADMISSION: $25
Post Game With T.I.
The Coors Light post game concert features the King of the South, T.I.! The concert will follow the conclusion of the game inside Legion Field and is free with your game ticket.
