The presidents of Alabama State and Alabama A&M, whose schools compete in the historic annual football rivalry—and citywide family reunion—will keep The Magic City Classic at Legion Field for at least the next four years, pending approval of a new four-year agreement with the City of Birmingham.told AL.com. “Let’s put that to rest.”
Like the tantalizing aroma of well-smoked ribs, the future site of one of Birmingham’s most successful and anticipated sports/entertainment events—and largest tailgate party—has lingered over the Classic since the construction of Protective Stadium downtown began several years ago.was the final game played under the current four-year agreement.
“The economic impact for the community,” said Ross. “When you know the Classic is coming, whether you’re a church or a resident set up for parking, a caterer looking to tailgate, or a vendor, your entrepreneurial spirit kicks in,” said ASU President Dr. Quinton Ross. “In that area of the city, the Classic has had an economic impact on those who are there. Not wanting to limit that impact by going to an area that is still untested and would limit capacity with ticket sales.
“All of those things were considerations as we came to our consensus,” Ross said, “pending approval of a new agreement with the city.”. It outlines a proposed four-year renewal of the Classic through 2026 with the game remaining at Legion Field through the term of the agreement and an increase in the city’s annual payout to each institution to $500,000.In 2022, each institution is slated to receive $400,000 from the city. Prior payouts were: $212,500 , $325,000 , $350,000 , and $375,000 .