76th Annual McDonald’s Magic City Classic Presented by Coca-Cola

Kicking off with the Press Conference at Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company, the largest HBCU football game in the country took place at Legion Field on Saturday, October 28, when Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University battled it out for bragging rights.

“McDonald’s is proud to again be the title sponsor of the McDonald’s Magic City Classic and to have partnered with the McDonald’s Magic City Classic Parade as the exclusive sponsor for more than ten years now,” said Larry Thornton, Franchise Owner of McDonald’s. “McDonald’s and Coca-Cola as iconic brands are looking forward to uniting again with the largest HBCU Classic in the nation.”

Photo: L-R, Bo Taylor, Vice President-Central Region, Coca-Cola UNITED; Honorable Mayor Bell, City of Birmingham; and Larry Thornton, President, Thornton Enterprises, and McDonald’s franchisee

McDonald’s will continue to be the title sponsor of the McDonald’s Magic City Classic parade, which is broadcast live in Birmingham on WBRC Fox6 and Bounce TV as well as Huntsville and Montgomery.
New this year was the Classic Kickoff presented by the Marines, which was hosted by comedian FunnyMaine.

The Classic Kickoff held Thursday, October 26th at the Birmingham CrossPlex featured performances by collegiate and alumni Greek step teams from your favorite divine nine organizations, celebrity appearances, and much more.

The McDonald’s Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola brings fans and celebrities from around the country to watch as Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University compete for a potential spot in the SWAC Championship, as well as the thrilling halftime show featuring the Marching Maroon and White Band and the Marching Hornets.
Also at halftime, both university presidents honored this year’s celebrity ambassador Rickey Smiley.

Rickey Smiley’s HBCU Survival Tips | Rickey Smiley For Real | TV One

Previous ambassadors include Ludacris, Anthony Anderson, Bell Biv DeVoe, Ice Cube, Bootsy Collins, LisaRaye, Sinbad, Wendy Williams, Charles Barkley and Vivica A. Fox to name a few.

About the McDonald’s Magic City Classic Presented by Coca-Cola
The McDonald’s Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola is the largest historically black college and university (HBCU) football game in the country. Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University play in the game annually at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, and the winner could potentially earn a spot in the SWAC Championship. Festivities surrounding the event include the Classic Kickoff, McDonald’s Magic City Classic Parade, Coors Light Tailgate Party and the famed halftime show performed by the Marching Hornets and the Marching Maroon and White. For more information, visit www.magiccityclassic.com.