There’s something electric about Birmingham every fall when the Magic City Classic returns. The crisp Alabama air fills with the smell of barbecue smoke, the rhythm of marching drums, and the laughter of generations of fans gathered to celebrate more than just a football game. It’s not merely an event—it’s a movement, a cultural homecoming, and the largest HBCU classic in America.
This year, the 84th Annual Magic City Classic, presented by Coca-Cola and Amazon, once again transformed the city into a festival of Black excellence, community pride, and pure pageantry. With an economic impact exceeding $25 million for the state of Alabama and nearly 200,000 people flooding into Birmingham for the weekend’s festivities, the Magic City Classic remains the shining gem of HBCU sports and culture.
From the Disney on the Yard Parade to First Take’s live broadcast, from Ashanti’s tailgate performance to Alabama State’s commanding win, the 2025 Classic proved why this tradition, started back in 1945, is still the heartbeat of the Magic City.
The Streets Come Alive: Disney on the Yard Parade
Before the players ever hit the field, the streets of downtown Birmingham came alive early Saturday morning for one of the most anticipated spectacles of the weekend—the Magic City Classic Parade presented by Disney on the Yard.
Starting at 18th Street N and 7th Avenue N, the parade was a colorful explosion of sound, movement, and energy. Disney on the Yard, which has become a major supporter of HBCU initiatives nationwide, brought a touch of magic to Birmingham—complete with themed floats, costumed characters, and campus pride on full display.
Thousands of fans lined the streets waving their school flags and cheering as the Mighty Marching Hornets of Alabama State University and the Marching Maroon and White of Alabama A&M University brought their signature precision and swagger to the route.
Families, alumni, and students danced to drumline rhythms while local and national bands, dance teams, and community organizations showcased their talent. The parade, broadcast live on WBRC 6 News and Gray Television affiliates across the state, captured the joy and unity of the Classic season.
For Disney on the Yard, the sponsorship was more than branding—it was about celebrating education, heritage, and the spirit of HBCUs. “This parade represents community, creativity, and connection,” said one Disney representative. “It’s a way to give back and honor the legacy of excellence that thrives at Alabama’s HBCUs.”
Tailgating, Tunes, and the Coors Light Pregame Party
If the parade was the soul of the weekend, the tailgate was its beating heart. By Thursday, the Birmingham Race Course had already turned into a small city of tents, grills, and good vibes for the Magic City Classic Tailgate Festival.
Presented by Coca-Cola and Coors Light, the pregame celebration lived up to its reputation as the biggest tailgate party in the country. Thousands gathered to enjoy sponsor giveaways, activations, food trucks, and live performances that brought old-school funk and R&B to life.
Headliners Ashanti, October London, and the legendary Zapp band turned the stage into a soulful throwback showcase, delivering a night of music that spanned generations. From “Foolish” to “Computer Love,” the crowd sang every lyric, proving that the Classic is as much about cultural connection as it is competition.
“This is our Super Bowl,” one Alabama A&M alum said while manning his grill. “It’s about family, fun, and showing love for our schools. The game matters, but this—this right here—is what we wait all year for.”
The Game: Alabama State Dominates
When kickoff finally came on Saturday afternoon at Legion Field, the energy reached its peak. Over 69,000 fans packed into the historic stadium, waving flags, blasting horns, and filling the stands with black, gold, and maroon pride.
The 84th Magic City Classic did not disappoint—unless you were an Alabama A&M fan. The Alabama State Hornets delivered a statement win, defeating their in-state rival 56–13 in a commanding performance that showcased both offensive firepower and defensive dominance.
ASU quarterback Andrew Body was unstoppable, completing 19 of 24 passes for 304 yards and five touchdowns, plus a rushing score. The Hornets racked up 616 total yards, controlling every aspect of the game and not committing a single turnover.
After an early A&M touchdown, the Hornets responded with a storm of offense—21 unanswered points in the first quarter and 49 total points by halftime. Receivers Jalen Jones and Dylan Creech were key weapons, while running back Jahbari Kuykendall led the rushing attack with 101 yards on just seven carries.
Defensively, the Hornets suffocated Alabama A&M’s offense, holding them to just 136 total yards and forcing two interceptions. Jalil Lenore and Birmingham native Jalen Jones earned MVP honors for their stellar play on both sides of the ball.
With the win, Alabama State improved to 5–2 overall and 3–1 in SWAC play, notching their fourth straight Magic City Classic victory. Head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. remains undefeated in Classic games, continuing a new era of Hornet dominance.
“This game means everything to our players, our alumni, and our city,” Robinson said postgame. “We don’t take this tradition lightly. It’s about representing our university with pride and giving our fans something to celebrate.”
The Battle of the Bands: A Halftime for the Ages
No Magic City Classic would be complete without its halftime show, often called the “second half” of the Classic. The football game might have determined the score, but halftime decided the bragging rights.
As the clock hit zero in the second quarter, the field transformed into a stage for the ultimate musical showdown—the Battle of the Bands between Alabama A&M’s Marching Maroon and White and Alabama State’s Mighty Marching Hornets.
Both bands delivered a spectacle that left the crowd roaring. A&M’s Maroon and White dazzled with their sharp formations, brass-heavy covers, and dance breaks, while ASU’s Mighty Hornets brought the thunder with synchronized energy, precision drumlines, and bold choreography.
The fans didn’t just watch—they participated, cheering every high note and chant. From Earth, Wind & Fire tributes to Beyoncé mashups, the halftime battle was a reminder that music, movement, and rhythm are just as central to HBCU culture as the gridiron itself.
“It’s more than entertainment—it’s identity,” said one ASU band alum. “We express who we are through every beat and every step. The band is the heartbeat of the Classic.”
History and Heritage: 80 Years of Magic
The Magic City Classic isn’t just a football game—it’s a living piece of American history. Since 1945, Alabama A&M and Alabama State have come together every fall to celebrate rivalry, resilience, and community spirit.
Over the decades, the Classic has grown into the largest HBCU event in the United States, drawing fans from across the nation. It’s a celebration of Black culture, higher education, and Southern pride that bridges generations and strengthens community ties.
From the early years at Legion Field to today’s ESPN broadcasts and celebrity appearances, the Classic has been a platform for showcasing HBCU excellence. It’s also been an engine for the Birmingham economy, injecting over $25 million annually and supporting countless small businesses and vendors.
This year, that legacy continued as ESPN’s “First Take” broadcast live from downtown Birmingham, with Stephen A. Smith and Cam Newton bringing national attention and fiery debate to the festivities. Their presence highlighted just how important this event has become on both a cultural and athletic level.
The Fans: Spirit, Style, and Southern Hospitality
What truly makes the Magic City Classic legendary isn’t just the competition—it’s the people. The fans are the lifeblood of the event, turning Birmingham into a sea of fellowship, fun, and fashion.
Everywhere you looked, tents were decked out in school colors. The aroma of ribs, wings, and catfish filled the air. DJs spun old-school hits while vendors sold everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage HBCU apparel.
From the alumni in tailored blazers to the students in fresh sneakers, the crowd was a kaleidoscope of Black excellence and self-expression. “This is our family reunion,” said one A&M supporter. “Even if our team loses, we win just by being here.”
And that’s the magic of it all. It’s more than a rivalry—it’s a reunion. It’s where memories are made, bonds are strengthened, and culture is celebrated.
Legacy in Motion
As the final whistle blew and the fireworks lit up the Birmingham sky, fans poured out of Legion Field with smiles, hugs, and plans to do it all again next year.
The 2025 Magic City Classic once again proved why it’s the crown jewel of HBCU football—a fusion of competition, culture, and community that transcends sports.
From Disney on the Yard’s parade magic to Alabama State’s championship performance, from Ashanti’s soulful show to Stephen A. Smith’s fiery commentary, every moment of the weekend reaffirmed one truth: The Magic City Classic isn’t just an event. It’s a legacy that continues to define what it means to be part of HBCU excellence.
And as long as there’s barbecue smoke in the air, drumlines in the streets, and pride in every cheer, Birmingham’s Magic City Classic will continue to be the most extraordinary weekend in college football.
