BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The 83rd Magic City Classic is taking place at Legion Field on Saturday, and fans of Alabama State and Alabama A&M should be prepared for a busy day.
It's the largest HBCU classic in the country. Below is information regarding the classic's parade, tailgate party, parking, shuttle service and game information:
McDonald's Magic City Classic Parade
The game will kick off at 2:32 p.m., but the McDonald's Magic City Classic Parade will be held in downtown Birmingham in the morning. It will start at the corner of 18th Street North and Seventh Avenue North at 8 a.m. before taking a right at 19th Street North.
The bands and dance teams from both universities will put on a show as the parade route continues left on Sixth Avenue North before it turns right at Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard. The route will continue west on Fourth Avenue North and end when it reaches 16th Street North.
Actor Omari Hardwick is the 2024 Magic City Classic ambassador. He will be on McDonald's float during the parade, which is free to attend.
Coors Light Tailgate Party
The tailgate party will be thrown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the west side of Legion Field. The free event will feature entertainment and giveaways.
Parking
On gameday, a perimeter will be situated around legion field that will prevent vehicles from entering it without a parking pass. The perimeter will be in front of I-59/20, Third Avenue West, Center Street East and Arkadelphia Road.
Limited gameday parking can be purchased in advance for Lot F, which is off Graymont Avenue West, by clicking here. Each pass costs $58.45. Those with disabilities can go to Lot F for day of game parking, which is available on a first come, first served basis.
Shuttle service
There are three shuttle locations offering roundtrip service for $5. Children 6 and under can ride the shuttles for free. All locations only accept credit cards.
The three spots are:
- Birmingham CrossPlex
- Hours: 9 a.m. through two hours after game ends
- Estimated ride time: 20 minutes
- Park Place
- Hours: 11:30 a.m. through two hours after game ends
- Parking: Boutwell parking deck, which opens at 10:30 a.m.
- Estimated ride time: 15 minutes
- Seventh Avenue North and 23rd Street North
- Hours: 11:30 a.m. through two hours after game ends
- Estimated ride time: 15 minutes
Game information
Tickets for the game can be bought by clicking here. Alabama A&M fans will sit on the west side, while Alabama State supporters will cheer from the east stands.
Fans are urged to read the prohibited items list and clear bag policy before entering Legion Field. No disallowed items can be left at any of the stadium's gates.
At halftime, there will be a battle of the bands between the Mighty Marching Hornets and Marching Maroon and White.
Alabama A&M leads the Magic City Classic with a 43-36-3 record. The game will air on ESPNU.