Magic City Classic Weekend – Here’s what to expect

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Alabama A&M carries a 4-game winning streak over Alabama State in the Magic City Classic Saturday. (Magic City Classic via Twitter)

One of football’s oldest traditions is taking place in Birmingham this weekend as Alabama A&M takes on Alabama State in the Magic City Classic at Legion Field.

The weekend is not just about football — although that is the primary focus — as there are events and parties and quite possibly the best tailgating anywhere. Here’s what’s on the schedule for Bulldog fans in Birmingham:

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A Classic Weekend in Birmingham

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The Magic City Classic parade begins at 8AM Saturday. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

The weekend kicks off Thursday with the first of multiple parties celebrating the Classic. Here’s what’s happening:

  • Birmingham native Rickey Smiley will host the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, live, at the Boutwell Auditorium Thursday morning. Doors open at 4:30AM Show will be from 5AM to 9AM Free admission.
  • Stokley, Kelly Price, Zapp Band and others will be at Railroad Park on Thursday, Oct. 27. Gates open at 5PM The event will start at 6PM Bring your lawn chairs. Food trucks will be on site.
  • Classic Kickoff presented by McDonald’s: Thursday, October 27 from 6PM-9PM at Stadium Club in Protective Stadium. Enjoy live entertainment from DJ Traci Steele, featured drinks, giveaways and more for just $20. Tickets available at magiccityclassic.com.
  • Magic City Classic Block Party: Support Birmingham food trucks in front of City Hall on Friday, Oct. 28 during the Magic City Classic Block Party from 11AM to 2PM.
  • Blood Drive: The Omicron Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will host a blood drive on Oct. 28 at The Parthenon, 2210 First Ave. North, from 8AM to 1PM
  • McDonald’s Magic City Classic Parade: Saturday, October 29 from 8AM to 11AM in downtown Birmingham. Route: https://www.magiccityclassic.com/route/
  • Coors Light Tailgate Party: Saturday, October 29 from 10AM-2PM on west side of Legion Field stadium. Visit the Coors Light Tailgate Party for entertainment, giveaways and more.
  • McDonald’s Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola:  Saturday, October 29 at 2:30PM, ESPN3. Clash on the gridiron between Alabama A&M and Alabama State featuring a halftime performance by the famed Mighty Marching Hornets and the Marching Maroon and White. Tickets available at the event website.
  • Postgame Concert: Saturday, October 29 immediately following the game at Legion Field. Hip-hop legend Big Boi to perform. Tickets available at magiccityclassic.com.

For AAMU alumni, here is an additional schedule of events:

AAMU Alumni schedule for Oct. 28 MCC

The Magic City Classic by the Numbers

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The 2016 Magic City Classic drew a record crowd of 70,813. (Magic City Classic via Twitter)

Okay I am sure I don’t need to give much of a history lesson on the Magic City Classic, but to those who may be new to the rivalry and tradition, here are a few interesting numbers associated with this series:

  • 1924: That’s the first year AAMU and Alabama State played each other. Bama St. won 20-17. 
  • 1944: That’s the last year these two teams did not play each other.
  • 7: That’s the longest winning streak in the series, held by A&M from 1960 to 1966.
  • 4: That’s Alabama A&M’s current win streak against ASU.
  • 1982: That was the last time the Classic ended in a tie (13-13), and now that overtime rules exist, it’s likely the last tie that will ever happen in the series.
  • 70,813: That is the record crowd for any Classic, a milestone reached in 2016.

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Michael Seale
Michael Seale
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