WATCH LIVE: The Magic City Classic's Touchdowns and Traditions

3 months ago 2

Video above: WVTM 13 Team Coverage of last year's Magic City ClassicThe Magic City Classic, the largest HBCU football event in the country, is just days away, and organizers are busy prepping Birmingham for the 83rd clash between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University.The beloved event has pulled tens of thousands of football fans, HBCU Alumni and tailgaters to Legion Field year after year in a tradition that's gone on nearly as long as the Classic has called the “Old Gray Lady” its home.With so much to do and so little time, attendees are sure to have questions to best prepare for the perfect tailgating experience.You can also join WVTM 13 throughout the day on Saturday at the following locations:6-8 a.m. at Kelly Ingraham Park for the Magic City Classic Parade10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Legion Field for the Pregame Tailgate PartyThankfully, we've got you covered; here's everything you need to know about the 83rd annual Magic City Classic:Where is the event?The Magic City Classic takes place at the historic Legion field, located at 400 Graymont Ave. W in Birmingham, AL. What time does it start?The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m., but there are several events throughout the day. The full schedule is as follows:Magic City Classic ParadeWhat - Parade featuring the bands and dance teams from both Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University, as well as celebrity guests.When - Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 a.m.Where - Downtown BirminghamCoors Light Pregame Tailgate PartyWhat - Massive tailgating event featuring giveaways, entertainment and more.When - Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Where - Legion Field, West Side Parking LotMagic City ClassicWhat - Football game and battle of the bandsWhen - Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m.Where - Legion Field Will roads be closed?The roads surrounding Legion Field cannot be accessed on gameday without the proper parking pass. The perimeter begins at the following locations:NORTH – 20/59SOUTH – 3rd Avenue WEAST – Center St.WEST – Arkadelphia RoadAdditionally, all roads that are part of the parade route will be inaccessible. Road closures are scheduled as follows:Wednesday, Oct. 23The outside lane to eastbound traffic of Graymont Avenue has been closed. Legion Field bus stop bike racks went up. Concrete barricades were moved to close roads leading to Graymont Ave. from 3rd St. West to 6th St. West. Concrete barricades were moved to close roads leading to 8th Ave. West from 3rd Ave W to 7th Ave. West. Thursday, Oct. 245 p.m. - Short 20th in front of City Hall will close.Saturday, Oct. 262 a.m. - Roads that are part of the Magic City Classic parade route will begin to close, including Park Place. 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. - Graymont Avenue closes from Arkadelphia to Center Street once all parking lots are full at Legion Field. 4 a.m. – 6 a.m. - Birmingham Department of Transportation barricades will move into place for transportation lane and parade. 8 a.m. - 8th Ave. West closes from Arkadelphia to Center Street. No one setting up a tailgate may enter after 8 a.m. 8 a.m. - Parade begins. Sunday, Oct. 278 a.m. - All street barricades will be removed. Who's playing in the game?The Alabama A&M Bulldogs are facing off against the defending champs, the Alabama State Hornets.Where do I get tickets?Tickets can be purchased here. Where do I park?Legion Field has four lots available for parking. They close at 9 a.m. on game day. Limited gameday parking is available in advance for Lot F and can be purchased here.Additionally, shuttles will be running back and forth between Legion Field and several offsite parking areas, including:Birmingham CrossplexLocation - 2331 Bessemer Rd., Birmingham, ALPickup Hours - 9 a.m. – two hours after the game concludesRide Time - 20 minutesPark PlaceLocation - Boutwell parking deck, 801 19th St. North, Birmingham, ALPickup Hours - 11:30 a.m. – two hours after the game concludesRide Time - 15 minutesDowntownLocation - 7th Ave N & 23rd St. N, Birmingham, ALPickup Hours - 11:30 a.m. – two hours after the game concludesRide Time - 15 minutesHow do I get my own tailgating space?Tailgating spaces for this year's event are unfortunately sold out.What is the bathroom situation?Restrooms are located throughout the stadium and can be accessed from the north, south, east and west sides of the stadium.What if I have a medical emergency?First aid stations will be located on the north, south, east and west sides of the stadium. An additional care center trailer will be located outside the stadium on the east side between gates 12 and 16.What can I bring to the event?The list of permitted items at the Magic City Classic can be found here.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —

Video above: WVTM 13 Team Coverage of last year's Magic City Classic

The Magic City Classic, the largest HBCU football event in the country, is just days away, and organizers are busy prepping Birmingham for the 83rd clash between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University.

The beloved event has pulled tens of thousands of football fans, HBCU Alumni and tailgaters to Legion Field year after year in a tradition that's gone on nearly as long as the Classic has called the “Old Gray Lady” its home.

With so much to do and so little time, attendees are sure to have questions to best prepare for the perfect tailgating experience.

You can also join WVTM 13 throughout the day on Saturday at the following locations:

6-8 a.m. at Kelly Ingraham Park for the Magic City Classic Parade
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Legion Field for the Pregame Tailgate Party

Thankfully, we've got you covered; here's everything you need to know about the 83rd annual Magic City Classic:

Where is the event?

The Magic City Classic takes place at the historic Legion field, located at 400 Graymont Ave. W in Birmingham, AL.

What time does it start?

The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m., but there are several events throughout the day. The full schedule is as follows:

Magic City Classic Parade

What - Parade featuring the bands and dance teams from both Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University, as well as celebrity guests.
When - Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 a.m.
Where - Downtown Birmingham

Coors Light Pregame Tailgate Party

What - Massive tailgating event featuring giveaways, entertainment and more.
When - Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where - Legion Field, West Side Parking Lot

Magic City Classic

What - Football game and battle of the bands
When - Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m.
Where - Legion Field

Will roads be closed?

The roads surrounding Legion Field cannot be accessed on gameday without the proper parking pass. The perimeter begins at the following locations:

NORTH – 20/59
SOUTH – 3rd Avenue W
EAST – Center St.
WEST – Arkadelphia Road

Additionally, all roads that are part of the parade route will be inaccessible.

Road closures are scheduled as follows:

Wednesday, Oct. 23

The outside lane to eastbound traffic of Graymont Avenue has been closed.
Legion Field bus stop bike racks went up.
Concrete barricades were moved to close roads leading to Graymont Ave. from 3rd St. West to 6th St. West.
Concrete barricades were moved to close roads leading to 8th Ave. West from 3rd Ave W to 7th Ave. West.

Thursday, Oct. 24

5 p.m. - Short 20th in front of City Hall will close.

Saturday, Oct. 26

2 a.m. - Roads that are part of the Magic City Classic parade route will begin to close, including Park Place.
6 a.m. – 8 a.m. - Graymont Avenue closes from Arkadelphia to Center Street once all parking lots are full at Legion Field.
4 a.m. – 6 a.m. - Birmingham Department of Transportation barricades will move into place for transportation lane and parade.
8 a.m. - 8th Ave. West closes from Arkadelphia to Center Street. No one setting up a tailgate may enter after 8 a.m.
8 a.m. - Parade begins.

Sunday, Oct. 27

8 a.m. - All street barricades will be removed.

magic city classic: legion field barricade map

Birmingham Police Department

Magic City Classic: Legion Field Barricade Map

magic city classic: parade route & barricade map

Birmingham Police Department

Magic City Classic: Parade Route & Barricade Map

Who's playing in the game?

The Alabama A&M Bulldogs are facing off against the defending champs, the Alabama State Hornets.

Where do I get tickets?

Tickets can be purchased here.

Where do I park?

Legion Field has four lots available for parking. They close at 9 a.m. on game day. Limited gameday parking is available in advance for Lot F and can be purchased here.

Additionally, shuttles will be running back and forth between Legion Field and several offsite parking areas, including:

Birmingham Crossplex

Location - 2331 Bessemer Rd., Birmingham, AL
Pickup Hours - 9 a.m. – two hours after the game concludes
Ride Time - 20 minutes

Park Place

Location - Boutwell parking deck, 801 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL
Pickup Hours - 11:30 a.m. – two hours after the game concludes
Ride Time - 15 minutes

Downtown

Location - 7th Ave N & 23rd St. N, Birmingham, AL
Pickup Hours - 11:30 a.m. – two hours after the game concludes
Ride Time - 15 minutes

How do I get my own tailgating space?

Tailgating spaces for this year's event are unfortunately sold out.

What is the bathroom situation?

Restrooms are located throughout the stadium and can be accessed from the north, south, east and west sides of the stadium.

What if I have a medical emergency?

First aid stations will be located on the north, south, east and west sides of the stadium. An additional care center trailer will be located outside the stadium on the east side between gates 12 and 16.