The City of Birmingham Celebrates the Legacy of the Magic City Classic with a Special Exhibition

From the City of Birmingham

October 22

Birmingham, AL — Two universities. One city. Generations of pride. The City of Birmingham today unveiled A Classic Tradition: The History, Culture & Legacy of the Magic City Classic, a special photo exhibition on the second floor of Birmingham City Hall. It will be on display now through the end of the year.

“The Magic City Classic is bigger than football. It’s a tradition rooted in HBCU excellence, fierce school pride and a shared love for Birmingham that spans generations,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “This exhibition honorsthe people, the moments and the memories that have made the Classic a cornerstone of our city’s culture and a tradition worth celebrating for generations to come.”

Presented in partnership with Alabama State University, Alabama A&M University and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), this free exhibit celebrates one of the nation’s most iconic HBCU football rivalries and its lastingimpact on Birmingham’s cultural identity.

Featuring archival photographs and historical imagery from the 1950s to today, the exhibit captures the Classic’s unforgettable moments—from football and marching band performances to tailgating, the fifth quarter and the traditionsthat unite generations of students, alumni and fans.

More than a game, the Magic City Classic is a celebration of HBCU excellence, community and school pride. A Classic Tradition preserves the stories and experiences that have made the annual event a cornerstone of Birmingham’s heritage.

For more information, go here.