The 85th Magic City Classic was supposed to be remembered for what happened on the field — Alabama A&M’s 31–28 win over Alabama State on Saturday, the Bulldogs’ first win in the rivalry since 2021. Instead, the night ended in gunfire just outside Legion Field, and a celebration turned into a crime scene.
Birmingham police say shots rang out around 7:50 p.m. in the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West, behind the stadium’s south end zone, where vendors were set up after the game. Officers found nine people shot. One person was pronounced dead at the scene. Of the eight others taken to the hospital, one is in critical condition and seven are in stable condition. Police have not released the names or ages of any of the victims.
Investigators recovered multiple firearms at the scene, and one person was detained and taken to Birmingham police headquarters for questioning. As of Sunday morning, no charges had been filed, police had not identified a suspect, and no motive has been given. Right after the shooting, police shut down all remaining tailgating and cleared the Legion Field property.
Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett called what happened “two senseless acts of violence — completely senseless acts of violence,” and thanked the officers and first responders who ran toward the scene. Mayor Randall Woodfin also condemned the shooting Saturday night, saying no dispute could ever justify it.
The Biggest Day in HBCU Football
The Magic City Classic is the largest HBCU football game in the country. The Alabama A&M–Alabama State rivalry dates back to 1924, and Classic weekend brings more than 100,000 people to Birmingham for the parade, the tailgates and the game. Most fans and families had already left the stadium grounds when the shots were fired.
Police are asking anyone who shot video around Legion Field Saturday night to share it with detectives at 205-254-1764.
This is a developing story, and we will update it as Birmingham police release more. FreddyO.com is praying for the family of the life that was lost, for the eight people fighting to recover, and for the whole Alabama A&M and Alabama State family tonight. 🕊️
Source: Birmingham Police Department statements and Associated Press reporting.
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