Rumors of the demise of Magic City Classic were greatly exaggerated.
The Alabama Sports Council has signed a four-year agreement with Alabama A&M to manage the McDonald’s Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola for the 2023-2026 events, the sports council announced.
Tuesday’s announcement comes after months of discussions, including veiled threats for the classic to end.
Last month, Alabama A&M sent a cease and desist order to the sports council demanding it stop using the school’s “well-known trademarks … and displays of images depicting the Alabama A&M bulldog mascot and any Alabama A&M student athlete …” to promote or sell sponsorships to the game.
However, Alabama A&M and Alabama State entered into separate agreements with the Alabama Sports Council to manage and promote the game through 2026, according to a news release. The 82nd annual game kicks off 2:30 p.m. Oct. 28.
The university agreements mirror one another, allocating assets and responsibilities based on which university is deemed the “home team” each year, the release said. Both schools signed a four-year agreement with the City of Birmingham in April, inclusive of funding and the use of Legion Field.
“These two deserving HBCUs will receive the highest guaranteed payout in the history of HBCU athletics,” said Executive Director Perren King. “This guarantee is higher than some FBS bowl game payouts. We would like to applaud both presidents for being extremely thoughtful in achieving the best outcome for their constituency.
“We couldn’t be prouder to manage the McDonald’s Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola and continue to focus on growing this great event.”
“Our partners in the public sector led by the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County and the private sector led by McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, have provided the foundational financial support to provide these historic payouts,” said Gene Hallman, chairman and CEO of Eventive Sports, the event promotor for Alabama Sports Council. “The signing of this agreement for the Alabama Sports Council to manage the event for the next four years bolsters the long-standing consistency and continuity we’ve had since 2000.”
Also under these new agreements, both schools will be paid their guaranteed amounts by Dec. 31 of each Classic year.
In addition to the game itself, the McDonald’s Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola offers activities for fans of all ages. Tickets are on sale at magiccityclassic.com.
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