The annual Magic City Classic takes place each year between the two largest historically black universities in Alabama, Alabama A&M, and Alabama State. The matchup dates back to 1924, and it is typically the highest attended FCS game of the season. Head on up to Birmingham for the Magic City Classic between Alabama A&M and Alabama State.

Turkey Day Classic

Rival Team: Tuskegee Golden Tigers

Alabama State and Tuskegee play each year in the Turkey Day Classic. The rivalry began in 1924, and it has been played every year since then. The Turkey Day Classic also serves as Alabama State’s homecoming game, meaning there isn’t a better time to attend a Hornets game at New ASU Stadium than the Turkey Day Classic.

Alabama State Hornets Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Like elsewhere in the south, tailgating is a huge part of the football culture at Alabama State. Hornets fans arrive bright and early for an entire day of tailgating making a trip to a Hornets game worth it for the tailgate alone.

Everywhere you look on game days you’ll see Hornets fans dressed in black and gold barbecuing, drinking, dancing, and having fun. The fans here love to tailgate almost as much as they love their team creating a fun atmosphere that any tailgate fan will enjoy.

The New ASU Stadium and the Hornets return to campus have further improved an already fun tailgate experience as the new tailgating areas around the stadium offer just about any amenity you could want. There are plenty of restrooms as well as electrical hook ups near the tailgate making it easy for you to throw a party outside New ASU Stadium.

Finally, if you’re a Hornets fan, or even if you’re not, make sure to attend the Hornet Legends Walk. The Hornet Legends Walk is a must-see and your chance to see your favorite ASU players up close, so don’t miss it.

You’ll have a lot of time tailgating at Alabama State, so get here early and enjoy all the pregame festivities.

Traditions

Hornet Legends Walk

Make sure to check out the Hornet Legend Walk before the game. The Hornet Legends Walk gives you the opportunity to see your favorite Hornets players up close before the game. The walk takes place two hours before kickoff and has the Hornets football team walk down Harris Way and continue between the Life Science and Abernathy building.

Where to tailgate

Tailgate Parking

Reserve a tailgate spot in Zone F or J if you want to tailgate before the game. Here you can tailgate to your heart's content surrounded by diehard Hornets fans creating an excellent game day experience.

RV Parking

Those of you taking an RV or another oversized vehicle to the game will want to reserve a spot in one of the RV lots, Zones G, H, I, or J. You’ll see a variety of tricked out tailgate vehicles here, so even if you aren’t parking here yourself stop by and take a look around the lots.

Alabama State Hornets Stadium Guide

In Game

New ASU Stadium is worth the trip to Montgomery for an Alabama State football game all by itself, but the incredible band and dance teams are also must-sees for any college football fan. The Hornets moved into New ASU Stadium in 2012, and since then they have been playing one of the most beautiful palaces in not only the SWAC but all of the FCS. Enjoy the fantastic sight lines and countless amenities at New ASU Stadium while watching the Hornets play.

While New ASU Stadium is quite a treat for fans, it still doesn’t stop the performance of the Mighty Marching Hornets Band. The Mighty Marching Hornets Band steals the show at every Hornets game, and you won’t want to miss their halftime performance, so stay in your seat during the break.

Finally, both the Stingettes and Honeybeez will dazzle you with their routines. Both dance groups put on an incredible show and are both can’t miss parts of any Hornets football game. Stop whatever you’re doing and turn your attention to the field when one of these groups starts to perform.

A trip to Alabama State is a must for any FCS football fan thanks to the gorgeous new stadium and Alabama State’s amazing band and dance teams.

Things to check out

New Stadium

New ASU Stadium is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the SWAC as well as the FCS. The new stadium is worth the trip alone for any college football fan, so enjoy the beautiful venue during your trip to Montgomery.

Mighty Marching Hornets Band

Like most historically black universities, Alabama State is home to an incredible band. The Mighty Marching Hornets Band is one of the main draws at ASU, and you won’t want to leave your seat when you see them take the field as they usually steal the show.

Stingettes

The Stingettes will dazzle you with their dance moves at the game. The dance team puts on a fantastic show and is a must-see part of any Hornets game, so stop what you’re doing when you see them take the field.

Honeybeez

Enjoy the performances of the Honeybeez throughout the game. You won’t want to miss these talented performers as they’re one of the best parts of any Alabama State football game.

Hornet Mascot

The mascot at Alabama State is beloved by the fans, especially the young ones, making him a fun part of any Hornets game. Keep an eye out for the mascot as you never know what he’ll do next.

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