BIRMINGHAM – Alabama A&M, which along with Alabama State signed a four-year agreement in April with the City of Birmingham for continued use of Legion Field for the Magic City Classic football game, reached a deal for the same time frame with the Alabama Sports Council to manage the event.
The official name of the game, the largest among Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the country, is the McDonald’s Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola.
The agreement comes after months of negotiations and will run from 2023-2026. Kickoff for the 82nd annual game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Oct. 28.
Alabama A&M and Alabama State have each entered into separate agreements with the Alabama Sports Council to not only manage but also promote the Magic City Classic through 2026. The agreements mirror one another, allocating assets and responsibilities based on which one is designated as “home team” each year.
“These two deserving HBCUs will receive the highest guaranteed payout in the history of HBCU athletics,” event Executive Director Perren King said. “This guarantee is higher than some FBS bowl game payouts. We would like to applaud both presidents for being extremely thoughtful in achieving the best outcome for their constituency.
“We couldn’t be prouder to manage the McDonald’s Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola and continue to focus on growing this great event.”
Eventive Sports promotes the game for the Alabama Sports Council.
“Our partners in the public sector led by the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County and the private sector led by McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, have provided the foundational financial support to provide these historic payouts,” Eventive Sports Chairman and CEO Gene Hallman said. “The signing of this agreement for the Alabama Sports Council to manage the event for the next four years bolsters the long-standing consistency and continuity we’ve had since 2000.”
Also under these new agreements, both schools will be paid their guaranteed amounts by Dec. 31 each year of the Classic.
In addition to the game, there are activities for fans of all ages. Festivities surrounding the game include the Magic City Classic Parade, Tailgate Party and the famed halftime show performed by the Mighty Marching Hornets and the Marching Maroon and White.
Tickets are on sale at magiccityclassic.com.
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