HUNTSVILLE – With the intensity of negotiations off the field apparently measuring up to the intensity on the field, the biggest rivalry in HBCU football will remain in Birmingham.

Alabama A&M University signed an agreement Tuesday with the city of Birmingham to continue the Magic City Classic there for another four years.

“After a healthy dialogue … Alabama A&M University has signed the Magic City Classic agreement with the City of Birmingham,” A&M said in a news release. “(Tuesday’s) execution solidifies that the Classic will be played at historic Legion Field for an additional four years.

“The university thanks Mayor Woodfin and his team for working to reach an amicable solution and looks forward to the 82nd playing of the Magic City Classic in October.”

The Bulldogs and Alabama State have met annually for 82 years at “The Old Gray Lady” and the game is regarded as the biggest Historically Black Colleges and Universities football game in the country.