Birmingham’s Legion Field buzzed with energy and tradition last weekend as the Birmingham Classic brought together two storied historically Black colleges and universities for a celebration of football, culture, and community pride.
Alabama State University faced off against Southern University in the Birmingham Football Classic, with the Hornets claiming a 30–17 victory, according to WSFA. The game drew fans from across the region to one of the South’s most iconic stadiums, turning the late-August weekend into a showcase of HBCU spirit at its finest.
Coverage from WVTM highlighted how the Classic does far more than settle a score on the gridiron — it brings with it the full pageantry of HBCU culture, from marching bands and step shows to reunions and community gatherings that make the event a beloved annual tradition in Birmingham. For many attendees, the Classic is as much about celebrating heritage and togetherness as it is about the game itself.
Alabama State’s win was notable for another reason: according to AL.com, the Hornets handed Southern’s head coach — a Hall of Famer — his first loss in the Birmingham Football Classic, adding a historic footnote to an already memorable afternoon at Legion Field.
The Birmingham Classic continues to stand as one of the metro area’s signature sporting and cultural events, drawing visitors who fill local hotels, restaurants, and businesses while giving Birmingham a moment to shine on a regional stage. For HBCU alumni, students, and fans of all backgrounds, it’s a weekend that reminds everyone why Birmingham remains a proud home for this enduring tradition.
