Your guide to the 85th annual Magic City Classic—tailgating, parking + more

The 85th Magic City Classic is taking over downtown Birmingham on Saturday, Oct. 31, as rivals Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University face off at Legion Field. From an epic tailgate party and game day fun to a Battle of the Bands halftime show that’ll have you screaming from the stands, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s your guide to the 2026 Magic City Classic, including where to park or grab a shuttle, game day details and more.

Magic City Classic Parade 2026—route, time + tips

The weekend kicks off with a whole lot of school spirit with the Magic City Classic Parade on Saturday, Oct. 31. Downtown Birmingham will be packed with lively bands, dancing and plenty of Alabama A&M and Alabama State pride.

Tip: Arrive early to the perfect viewing spot along the parade route so you can rock your school colors and cheer on your team. The parade rolls rain or shine!

Here’s how to plan your parade morning:

• When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 | Begins: 8AM
• Where: Downtown Birmingham
• Parade route:
  • Starts: 18th St N + 7th Ave N, Birmingham
  • To: 6th Ave N, Birmingham
  • To: 21st St N, Birmingham
  • To: 4th Ave N, Birmingham
  • Ends: 16th St N + 4th Ave N, Birmingham
• Cost: FREE

Not attending the parade? You can see it broadcast live on WBRC 6 News in Birmingham.

Magic City Classic Tailgate Party + tips at Legion Field

The Magic City Classic Tailgate Party is one of the best in Birmingham with food trucks, entertainment, giveaways and plenty of time to get pumped for the game.

Planning to tailgate? Know these rules ahead of time:

• Gas- or diesel-powered generators, RVs + trailers must use generator exhaust risers.
• Fire lanes must remain clear.
• Tailgating spaces cannot be saved or roped off.
• Tents cannot be staked into the ground.
• Anyone leaving the tailgate parking lot must return by 8AM on game day to guarantee re-entry.
• Vehicles must remain in their designated tailgating spaces, with parking decals displayed on the driver’s side windshield.
  • No parking decal? No re-entry to the lot.

Tailgate Party details:

• When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 | 10AM–2PM
• Where: Legion Field (West Side Parking Lot), 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
• Tailgate slots available

Magic City Classic 2026 football game at Legion Field

When Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University hit Legion Field, you can expect some fierce SWAC rivalry energy and competition.

And don’t even think about sitting out halftime! The Battle of the Bands featuring A&M’s Marching Maroon & White and ASU’s Mighty Marching Hornets is a must-experience Classic tradition you’ll remember for years to come.

Here’s what to know before heading to the stadium:

• When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
  • Stadium opens: 12:30PM
  • Game: 2:30PM
• Where: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
• Cost: 
  • General Admission: $21.67–$27.08 + fees
  • Alabama A&M Reserved Seating: $31.73–$39.67 + fees
  • Alabama State Reserved Seating: $31.73–$39.67 + fees
• ADA Seating: Legion Field South End Zone
  • Get tickets

Parking, shuttle access + road closures for the Magic City Classic

Finding a ride to the Magic City Classic is the easy part—figuring out where to park is the tricky part. Here’s a look at where to park at Legion Field, shuttle access around Birmingham and road closures to expect.

Parking at Legion Field

• Where: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
  • Disability Parking: Lot F (off Graymont Avenue)
• Cost: $50 per vehicle
• Additional parking: Available around Legion Field | Cost + payment options vary (Tip: Show up early to claim a spot—they fill up fast!)

Magic City Classic shuttle locations

• Birmingham Crossplex
  • Where: 2340 CrossPlex Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35208
  • Estimated ride time: 20 minutes
  • Shuttle available: 9AM until 2 hours after game ends
  • Cost: $5 roundtrip | Kids 6 and under ride free
  • Payment: Credit cards only | No cash or Cash App
  • ADA-accessible shuttles available

• Park Place—Boutwell Auditorium parking deck
  • Where: 801 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
    • Shuttle picks up across the street
  • Estimated ride time: 15 minutes
  • Parking deck opens: 10:30AM
  • Shuttle available: 11:30AM until 2 hours after game ends
  • Cost: $5 roundtrip | Kids 6 and under ride free
  • Payment: Credit cards only | No cash or Cash App
  • ADA-accessible shuttles available

• Downtown Birmingham
  • Where: Shuttles available along 7th Ave N + 23rd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Estimated ride time: 15 minutes
  • Shuttle Service available: 11:30AM until 2 hours after game ends
  • Cost: $5 roundtrip | Kids 6 and under ride free
  • Payment: Credit cards only | No cash or Cash App
  • ADA-accessible shuttles available

2026 Magic City Classic game day road closures

Before you head out on game day, plan ahead for road closures in Birmingham.

• When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 | Begin at 9AM
• Where: Perimeter around North I-20/59, South 3rd Avenue W, East Center St + West Arkadelphia Rd

What’s allowed inside Legion Field—bag policy + prohibited items

Before you load up the car and head to the game, check Legion Field’s bag policy and list of prohibited items so you know what you can (and can’t) bring inside.

Here’s a quick list:

Prohibited items:

• Weapons of any kind
• Umbrellas
• Purses + bags larger than 1″ X 4.5” X 6.5” (see clear bag policy)
• Luggage (all types)
• Seat cushions with compartments
• Outside food or drinks
• See the full list

More Magic City Classic 2026 events in Birmingham

Want more Magic City Classic events? Check these out:

• Magic City Classic Jazz Happy Hour
  • What: Enjoy a live jazz experience with Halo Wheeler with a side of good drinks, great energy and Birmingham culture.
  • When: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 | 5PM–7PM
  • Where: Carver Theatre, 1631 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Cost: Free admission
  • More details
    
• NASCAR Block Party & Car Show Classic Edition
  • What: NASCAR is bringing the celebration to Birmingham with a free community event at City Walk Bham ahead of the Magic City Classic. Don’t miss a custom show car representing Alabama A&M and Alabama State, a car show with up to $5,000 in prizes, local food trucks, a trunk-or-treat and interactive NASCAR experiences. You can also catch live entertainment from Young Dro + DJ Gorgeous, with MC Lady Woo.
  • When: City Walk BHAM, 2200 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Where: Friday, Oct. 30 | 2PM–6PM
  • Cost: Free admission
  • More details

You can also see cool ways Birmingham businesses are getting behind the Magic City Classic:

• How you can help keep Birmingham “clean and green” at the Magic City Classic, Oct. 31
• A Magic City Classic challenge of business pitches—see who won

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