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 2026 at a glance

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

AAMU versus ASU 260 — (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

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

AAMU versus ASU 109 — (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

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

AAMU versus ASU 154 1 — (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

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

AAMU versus ASU 238 — (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

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: