Reviewed by: Michael Seale
Magic City Classic Hall of Fame pitched by ASU’s Eddie Robinson Jr.
Reading time: 3 minutes
The local and national press missed a big news story at the annual news conference this week celebrating the 85th edition of the Amazon Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola between rivals Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University.
During his comments about the upcoming game and festivities, Alabama State Head Coach Eddie Robinson Jr. called for the establishment of a Magic City Classic Hall of Fame.
Robinson planted the idea saying:
“It’s our job as leaders to be good stewards of this game. I think we’re doing a great job of it. I’m gonna go public. We should have a Magic City Classic Hall of Fame.”
Alabama State University Head Coach Eddie Robinson, Jr.
There is perhaps no one more qualified than Coach Robinson to propose a way to permanently remember and celebrate the history of the Classic, a game that brings nearly 150,000 alumni and fans to Birmingham annually.
He personally knows the significance of the Magic City Classic having played and coached in the game.
A member of the SWAC Hall of Fame, Alabama State Sports Hall of Fame and the Black College Football Hall of Fame, Robinson played for the Bama State Hornets in the early 1990s notching All-SWAC and defensive player of the year honors. After his collegiate career, in 1992 he was drafted in the second round by the Houston Oilers and played an additional 11 seasons in the NFL.
He has been Alabama State’s head coach for the past five years.
Coaches and leaders back a Magic City Classic Hall of Fame
Robinson told Bham Now he envisioned the Hall of Fame to be modeled after the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame.
“You can’t have something for 85 years and not recognize those players who have been outstanding on the field, or the people who have helped put the game together.”
Alabama State University Head Coach Eddie Robinson, Jr.
Robinson’s proposal was enthusiastically endorsed by his counterpart Alabama A&M Head Coach Sam Shade.
“I think it is a great idea because this (Magic City Classic) is one of the biggest rivalries in college football – not just here in the state of Alabama, not just in HBCU football, but in the country!”
Alabama A&M Head Coach Sam Shade
In addition to Coach Shade, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Alabama State University President Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. chimed in after the news conference saying they loved the idea too.
Next steps for a Magic City Classic Hall of Fame
Now that the idea of a Magic City Classic Hall of Fame is on the table thanks to Coach Robinson, where should it reside?
Legion Field? Alabama Sports Hall of Fame? SWAC Headquarters?
Since the game has been played uninterrupted at Legion Field, the “Old Gray Lady” is likely a leading candidate.
Wouldn’t it be nice by the way, to make this happen next year on Legion Field’s 100th Anniversary?
