College Football Season Kicks Off in Montgomery, Alabama this Labor Day Weekend

-Historic City Hosts Inaugural HBCU Classic Weekend and ESPN’s 2021 College Kickoff Game-
 
MONTGOMERY, Ala., August 2, 2021 – College football officially kicks off in Montgomery, Alabama this Labor Day Weekend with a trio of exciting games including the ESPN Montgomery Kickoff and the inaugural HBCU Classic Weekend, featuring  Alabama State University’s Labor Day Classic against Miles College and the Inaugural ESPN Red Tail Classic, pitting Tuskegee University against Fort Valley State.

To officially begin the 2021 college football season, Jacksonville State and the University of Alabama at Birmingham will square off in ESPN’s Montgomery Kickoff on September 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Cramton Bowl in downtown Montgomery and will be broadcasted live on ESPN. Just days later, this historic city will host another notable first when two of Alabama’s oldest HBCUs play football classics in the same city, on the same weekend during the inaugural HBCU Classic Weekend. The weekend will be full of concerts, parties, pep rallies, and of course, football. 

“Montgomery is uniquely positioned to host primetime HBCU football on the national stage at a time when our city’s rich history resonates with this moment in America,” says Mayor Stephen Reed. “We are ready to help elevate the on-the-field action with a week of cultural experiences, including concerts, festivals, and other activities for all ages. Whether you’re from central Georgia, north Alabama or down the road at Tuskegee, you will relish HBCU Classic Weekend in Montgomery.”

Alabama has the highest number of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the entire U.S., and as the civil rights capital of the nation, Montgomery is the perfect backdrop to host two universities who have played pivotal roles in advancing the rights of African Americans.  On Sunday, visitors will have the chance to honor the United States Army Air Corps’ first black pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen, with special recognition during the game.  Pre-game fan-fest activities will also take place at Montgomery’s Paterson Field.

“We encourage all attendees of both classics to experience Montgomery’s rich culture by visiting our civil rights museums, memorials and centers, including the newly opened Montgomery Interpretive Center on the Alabama State University Campus, highlighting the university’s integral part in the Selma to Montgomery March,” says Ashley Jernigan, executive director of Destination Montgomery. “This action-packed weekend offers something for everyone and the immense economic impact this has on local restaurants, businesses and tourist attractions is a great way to boost the economy and highlight Alabama’s history.” 

For a complete schedule of events for the Labor Day Classic Weekend and links to purchase tickets, visit www.hbcuclassicweekend.com.

Information on the ESPB Montgomery Kickoff and Red Tails Classic are available at montgomerykickoffgames.com.  

For images of Montgomery, visit https://bit.ly/2ByuKVt.

About Montgomery
Situated on the banks of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the capital and the second largest city in the state of Alabama. Established in 1819, Montgomery has been the site of major historic events which have shaped the history of the United States. Emerging from its agricultural roots in the 19th century, Montgomery transformed from its history of injustice to become the birthplace of the civil rights movement and has long been a place that faced intolerable issues head on, initiating unprecedented change for the better. Today, this vibrant river town is experiencing a resurgence which has seen its downtown revitalized and has reestablished itself as a landmark Deep South destination.  Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and American Airlines. For more information, call 334-261-1100 or visit the official website of the Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau at www.visitingmontgomery.com. Stay connected with Montgomery on Twitter and Facebook.
 
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