BPL's Classic Cocktails Is Perfect Way to Kick Off Magic City Classic Week Networking

The Birmingham Public Library's premier Classic Cocktails, slated for 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. next Tuesday, October 25, is the perfect way to kick off your Magic City Classic week by reconnecting with alumni from Alabama State and Alabama A&M, and making new friends. 

The Magic City Classic between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University not only draws the largest crowd among the nation's HBCU football classics. It is also the biggest networking event for African-Americans in Alabama, drawing as many tailgaters or more outside Legion Field than the more than 60,000 who pack into the stadium to watch the football game and the Battle of the Bands between the Alabama A&M Marching Bulldogs and the Alabama State Marching Hornets.

Black football classics are the epicenter where sports, HBCU culture and Black history converge. They are far bigger than the game - and the Birmingham Public Library is now a part of the Magic City Classic networking scene for the first time in 2022. 

When it comes to networking and connection opportunities, nothing in Birmingham matches Magic City Classic week in size. Daily events are held across the city - from parties to concerts, tailgating, parades - and of course the halftime Battle of the Bands between the Alabama A&M and Alabama State. 

The Classic brings more than 60,000 fans and alumni of both schools to metro Birmingham annually, and had an economic impact of nearly $23 million in metro Birmingham last year, filling up hotels, restaurants, and clubs.

BPL's Classic Cocktails fundraiser will be an evening to remember! The event will feature a tasting of locally distilled spirits, music from DJ Chris Coleman of V94.9 FM, catered tailgate food, a cigar bar provided by Cigars & More, a 360 photo booth, a full-service cocktail bar, and more! 

Merchandise from the two rival HBCUs will also be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds from Classic Cocktails will be awarded to the Birmingham Education Foundation (Ed) to fund student scholarships for students in the Birmingham City School system. Proceeds will also help BPL continue to provide the community with the highest-quality experience of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. 

Tickets are available for purchase online through Eventbrite. 

Please show your support of the Birmingham Education Foundation, the Friends Foundation of the BPL, and the BPL by buying a ticket today.