Activities abound throughout Birmingham in the days leading to the Magic City Classic football matchup at Legion Field.

While the game between Alabama State and Alabama A&M Universities brings thousands to the stadium on Saturday, activities taking place throughout the city extend well beyond a sports showdown to coalesce as a week-long carnival of food, culture and music.

“This is 84 years of something that is tested and tried and proven to be a success,” Mayor Randall Woodin said during a press event with organizers Wednesday.

Woodfin the impact of the Classic lasts longer than the annual event itself with the support it provides for education. He called it an investment in the next generation.

“Beyond the parade and beyond the gridiron what all of that means for bragging rights for

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