Reminisce About Magic City Classic History, Raise a Glass at Classic Cocktails
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Looking for the perfect way to kick off Magic City Classic Week? We’ve got you.
Classic Cocktails, Birmingham Public Library’s signature celebration, returns Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Central Library (2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203). BPL's kickoff party to the Magic City Classic is sponsored by the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library.
More than just a party, Classic Cocktails sets the tone for an unforgettable week of tradition, rivalry, and Black excellence, bringing together fans of Alabama State and Alabama A&M to reminisce, reconnect, and raise a glass to 82 years of Classic memories.
Magic City Classic Week is a cultural celebration that draws more than 100,000 people (including nearly 70,0000 packed inside Legion Field and tens of thousands of tailgaters outside the stadium) for a week full of reunions, events, parties, HBCU pride, and of course the annual football clash and Halftime Battle of the Bands between Alabama A&M Bulldogs and the Alabama State Hornets.
The Birmingham Public Library has put together this history lesson on what makes the Magic City Classic so special:
🏈 The Classic: A Legacy 82 Years Strong
Since 1945, the Magic City Classic has been more than a football game—it’s a cultural homecoming. In 2024, nearly 69,000 fans packed Legion Field for the largest HBCU Classic in the country.
And it’s not just about touchdowns. It's about the tailgates, the fashion, the rivalries, and the lifelong memories made on and off the field. Classic Cocktails is the perfect setting to reconnect with classmates, share stories from legendary games, and relive the unforgettable moments that make the Magic City Classic more than just a football rivalry. Whether you’re reminiscing about campus life, your favorite halftime show, or that one epic tailgate, this event brings it all back.
Classic Cocktails offers a great chance to brush up on the Classic’s rich 82-year history through conversation, culture, and even a visit to the Birmingham Public Library’s digital archives.
❓ Classic Quick Facts
Who leads the Magic City Classic?
As of 2024, Alabama A&M leads the all-time series with 43 wins, while Alabama State has earned 36 victories. There have been three ties over the decades, proof that this rivalry is as fierce as it is historic.
How long has the game been held at Legion Field?
Legion Field in Birmingham has been home to the Magic City Classic since 1945, making it one of the most storied venues in HBCU football history.
🐶 Alabama A&M: A Legacy of Excellence Since 1875
Founded by formerly enslaved people as the Huntsville Normal School in 1875, Alabama A&M University has grown into a nationally recognized institution dedicated to academic excellence, STEM leadership, and community uplift. Home of the Bulldogs and the "Showband of the South," A&M has long been a proud symbol of Black achievement in Alabama and beyond. Its beautiful hilltop campus, affectionately called "The Hill," continues to produce generations of scholars, leaders, and culture-shapers.
🐝 Alabama State: Hornet Pride Since 1867
Established in 1867 by nine formerly enslaved men as the Lincoln Normal School, Alabama State University in Montgomery has become a cornerstone of HBCU legacy in the Deep South. Known for its vibrant campus life, trailblazing alumni, and the powerhouse Mighty Marching Hornets, ASU holds deep roots in civil rights history and higher education. From Rosa Parks' connections to today’s thriving academic programs, Alabama State remains a beacon of Black excellence and resilience.
🎺 Who Runs Halftime?
Let’s be real: some fans come for the football, but stay for the bands.
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Alabama A&M’s Marching Maroon and White, known as the “Showband of the South,” has been captivating audiences since 1890.
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Alabama State’s Mighty Marching Hornets never disappoint - and when the Honey Beez hit the field, the crowd is on its feet as they show that big girls can dance too.
👑 Legends Walk These Sidelines
From NFL icons like John Stallworth, Tarvaris Jackson, and Robert Mathis, to cultural legends like Sun Ra, Rosa Parks, Tarana Burke, and Rickey Smiley, the Classic represents generations of excellence from both universities.
🎉 More Than Just a Party
Classic Cocktails supports the Birmingham Public Library’s mission to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment.
Guests will enjoy:
- 🎶 High-energy music by DJ French Kiss
- 🍗 Tailgate-style food
- 🍹 Two signature cocktails included
- 🥃 A premium cigar + access to the Lion’s Den Cigar Bus
More than just a party, Classic Cocktails supports the Birmingham Public Library’s mission to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and enjoyment. Classic Cocktails is the perfect way to jumpstart your Magic City Classic Week.
✅ Want More Info?
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Central Library, 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203
🎟️ Tickets: bplpresentsclassiccocktails.eventbrite.com
Written by Roy L. Williams, Public Relations Director –
Birmingham Public Library
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