By Katherine Branchman
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For 85 years, the Magic City Classic has been more than a football game. It has served as a homecoming of sorts for generations of Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University alumni, bringing thousands of graduates, students, supporters and families back to Birmingham to celebrate HBCU excellence, tradition and community.
The 85th edition of the Classic continued that legacy as alumni from across the country returned to the Magic City to reconnect with classmates, participate in reunions, day parties and enjoy a week filled with activities leading up to game day. From the popular parade through downtown Birmingham to tailgates, concerts, networking events and scholarship initiatives, the annual celebration transformed the city into a showcase of Black culture, pride and achievement.
Before kickoff on game day, Alabama State University President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr.joined supporters and corporate partners on the playing field as the University received contributions from sponsors including Regions Bank, Amazon, Coca-Cola, Alabama Power and others.
“These donations highlight the importance of continued investments in ASU and the recognition of the significant role the University plays in educating future leaders while strengthening communities throughout Alabama and beyond,” Ross stated. “We are grateful for the support of our partners as we continue to advance the University’s top priority—student success.”
The Magic City Classic remains one of the largest HBCU events in the nation, attracting tens of thousands of fans to Birmingham each year and generating significant economic activity for the city and surrounding region. Event organizers describe the Classic as the nation's largest HBCU football game and an annual tradition that has been uninterrupted since 1945. For many attendees, however, the true value of the Classic cannot be measured in attendance numbers. It is found in the memories shared between generations of Hornets, the friendships renewed during reunion gatherings and the opportunity for alumni of both universities to commemorate the experiences that helped shape their lives.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin recently summed up the significance of the event, saying, "The Magic City Classic is bigger than football. It's a tradition rooted in HBCU excellence, fierce school pride and a shared love for Birmingham that spans generations."
Woodfin also emphasized the responsibility of preserving the event's legacy, describing the Classic as a historic treasure, and noting the importance of ensuring its continued success for future generations.
As the final chapter of the 85th Magic City Classic came to a close, the event once again demonstrated why it has remained a cornerstone of HBCU culture for nearly nine decades. What began as a football rivalry has evolved into a celebration of educational excellence, community partnerships, alumni engagement and school pride, ensuring that the Magic City Classic continues to leave a lasting impact on Alabama State University, the city of Birmingham and generations of Hornets to come.