Birmingham opens decades-spanning Magic City Classic exhibit

Birmingham’s Magic City Classic, the annual Alabama State–Alabama A&M football rivalry, is a weeklong celebration of HBCU pride, family tradition and community, with concerts, choir and jazz events, tailgating and other festivities alongside the game. A free photo exhibition at Birmingham City Hall, on display through the end of the year, traces the Classic’s history from the 1950s to today through images of football, marching bands, tailgating and the fifth quarter. Fans and city officials describe the event as a tradition connecting generations and strengthening Birmingham’s cultural identity. The Southwestern Athletic Conference commissioner says the Classic helps anchor the conference’s relationship with Birmingham and has generated more than $250 million in economic impact over his eight years in the role, while also showcasing educational opportunities at HBCUs.