Here’s how to get an early start on ringing in the 2022 Magic City Classic

The countdown is on for the largest Historically Black College and University football game in the country. In less than a week, Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University will face off in the 81st annual Magic City Classic. The historic rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Hornets returns to Birmingham’s Legion Field on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Plans are coming together for Classic Week. For folks looking to tailgate before the game, tailgate spots for the Classic opened for online purchase in September. Each tailgating space will cost $140 in addition to fees and sales tax. Starting on Monday, Oct. 24 at 8 a.m. fans can start purchasing tailgating spaces in person at Legion Field. Tickets purchased on Oct. 24 will cost $210. Tickets purchased on Oct. 25 will cost $175, and tickets purchased on Oct. 26 will cost $140.

Tickets for the Magic City Classic football game are currently available to purchase online. Tickets for reserved seats in the stadium and the post-game concert are $35. Tickets for first-come, first serve seating in the end zone and the post-game show are $25. Big Boi will headline this year’s Magic City Classic post-game concert.

There are tons of events in Birmingham leading up to the official Magic City Classic kickoff on Oct. 27. Looking to get your Classic celebrations started early? Here are a few suggestions for the first few days of Magic City Classic Week. For more information about Magic City Classic, visit the official website of the Magic City Classic and City of Birmingham’s Magic City Classic site.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

Cigar Men of Distinction Annual Magic City Classic Day Party

The annual Magic City Classic day party from Birmingham’s Cigar Men of Distinction returns this year, hosted by American Idol winner and Birmingham native Ruben Studdard. Guests will be able to enjoy a selection of cigars, libations, food, hookah, and music.

Location: Lit on 8th| 518 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd| Birmingham, AL 35204

Time: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets: General Admission is $25. Premium seating is $50. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

Magic City Classic Kickoff Party at Patton Park

Silk, the Connection Band, and Dominque Posey will take the stage for a free concert at W.C. Patton Park.

Location: W.C. Patton Park| 3969 14th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35234

Time: Events start at 5 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free.

Birmingham BBQ & Blues Festival

The city of Birmingham will host the BBQ & Blues festival featuring The Manhattans, Gerald Alston, Cupid, and Big Ro Williams.

Location: Legion Field| 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204

Time: noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free.

Classic Street Market Sunday

Councilor Crystal Smitherman will host a Sunday afternoon retail market featuring food trucks and vendors at the old Marc Steel Building property in Titusville.

Location: Marc Steel Building| 600 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24

Prosper Classic Kickoff

Birmingham nonprofit Prosper will host a Magic City Classic Kickoff networking event for Divine Nine Greek letter organizations and Birmingham’s Civic Service organizations featuring food and music.

Location: 1721 3rd Avenue North

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free, but reservations are required. Reservations can be completed via Eventbrite. For more information contact arasheed@prosperbham.com.

Magic City Classic Mixer

The Birmingham Realtist Association will host a mixer on the patio of The Hilton Birmingham UAB.

Location: Hilton Birmingham UAB| 808 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25

HBCUnity Happy Hour

Alums of Alabama A&M and Alabama State will host a happy hour with live entertainment from The Dedee Frazier.

Location: Lit on 8th| 518 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd| Birmingham, AL 35204

Time: 5:30 p.m.- until

Tickets: Admission is free

Classic Cocktails

The Birmingham Public Library, the Friends Foundation of the BPL, and law firm Petway, French & Ford, LLP, will host Classic Cocktails at downtown Birmingham’s Central Library. The event will feature a tasting of locally distilled spirits, music from DJ Chris Coleman of V94.9 FM, catered tailgate food, a cigar bar provided by Cigars & More, a 360-photo booth, and a full-service cocktail bar. Merchandise from Alabama State and Alabama A&M will also be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds from Classic Cocktails will be awarded to the Birmingham Education Foundation (Ed) to fund student scholarships.

Location: Birmingham Public Library Central| 2100 Park Pl, Birmingham, AL 35203

Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets are $40 and available via Eventbrite.

Stop the Violence event

Master P and Project Pat will appear at a Stop the Violence event presented by KISS FM at City Walk amphitheater in downtown Birmingham.

Location: CityWalk BHAM

Time: Gates open at 5 p.m. Event starts at 6 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free

Women’s Empowerment Luncheon presented by the Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable

Congresswomen Maxine Waters, Rep. Terri Sewell, Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson and Deidre Green of More Than Conquerors Faith Church will host the Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable’s “Women’s Empowerment Luncheon’’ featuring vendors, special guests, roundtables, and awards.

Location: 1401 First Ave. South

Time: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free

Old School Magic City Classic Concert

Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson and Birmingham City Councilor LaTonya Tate will host a concert featuring DJ Bad Boy Butch, the Lamont Landers Band and Bobby Rush at the Regions Field Ballroom.

Location: Regions Field Ballroom| 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

Time: Concert starts at 6 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is free. Event will also have free valet parking