Experience HBCU Football in Montgomery

Montgomery hosts three of the season's most anticipated HBCU football weekends. The season begins with the Red Tails Classic, featuring the University of West Alabama and Tuskegee University. Fans return for the historic Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic, one of the nation's longest-running HBCU football rivalries. The season concludes with Alabama State University's Homecoming, one of the year's biggest celebrations, featuring the Hornets taking on Florida A&M University. Each weekend offers its own unique traditions, game-day atmosphere, and opportunities to experience Montgomery.

The 6th Annual Red Tails Classic takes place Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 7 p.m. CDT at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. The game features the University of West Alabama and Tuskegee University and celebrates the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while kicking off the college football season.

The Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic returns to Montgomery on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Cramton Bowl. This historic rivalry brings together two of the nation's most storied HBCUs for an unforgettable day of football, marching bands, alumni celebrations, and tailgating.

Alabama State University's Homecoming Week is October 5-11, 2026, with the Homecoming football game against Florida A&M University taking place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at ASU Stadium. Homecoming Week also includes alumni events, campus traditions, community celebrations, and activities leading up to game day.

The Red Tails Classic and the Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic are played at Cramton Bowl, one of Montgomery's most historic football venues. Alabama State University's Homecoming is played on campus at ASU Stadium, home of the Alabama State Hornets. Both stadiums are located just minutes from downtown Montgomery, making it easy to enjoy restaurants, attractions, and entertainment before and after the game.

Downtown Montgomery is an excellent home base for HBCU football weekends. You'll be close to restaurants, nightlife, attractions, and many official game-day activities while remaining just a short drive from Cramton Bowl and ASU Stadium. Montgomery offers a variety of accommodations, including full-service hotels, boutique properties, extended-stay options, and nationally recognized hotel brands to fit every budget and travel style.

If you're looking for a quick bite before kickoff or a celebratory dinner after the game, Montgomery has plenty of great dining options nearby. Popular choices include Dreamland BBQ, Central, Ravello Ristorante, Itta Bena, B.B. King's Blues Club, The Houe Restaurant, Little Donkey, and Bibb Street Pizza Company. From Southern comfort food and barbecue to upscale dining and live entertainment, there's something for every football fan.

Tailgating is one of the best traditions of HBCU football. Fans attending the Red Tails Classic, Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic, and Alabama State University Homecoming can enjoy game-day celebrations with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters before kickoff. Tailgating locations, parking passes, setup times, and stadium policies vary by event, so visitors should check the official event or university website before arriving.

There's plenty to experience before and after the game. Explore Montgomery's nationally recognized Civil Rights landmarks, including the Freedom Rides Museum and Dexter Ave King Memorial Baptist Church, or social justice sites such as the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Spend time at Montgomery Whitewater, shop and dine in downtown Montgomery, enjoy live music, relax along the Riverwalk, or visit local bars, museums, and cultural art attractions. If you're here for one day or the entire weekend, Montgomery offers something for every visitor.

Yes! One of the most exciting traditions of HBCU football is the incredible marching band performances. Fans can expect high-energy pregame shows, halftime performances, and spirited game-day entertainment throughout the season. The bands are a major part of the HBCU football experience and one of the reasons fans return year after year.

Tickets for the Red Tails Classic, Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic, and Alabama State University Homecoming can be purchased through each event's official ticketing website. Visit the individual event pages on this site for ticket information, game details, stadium maps, and helpful travel resources.

Absolutely! For the first time, each of Montgomery's signature HBCU football events takes place on its own dedicated weekend, making it easier than ever to experience all three. Kick off the season with the Red Tails Classic, return for the Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic, and come back the following week for Alabama State University Homecoming. Each weekend offers a different matchup, atmosphere, traditions, and reasons to explore more of Montgomery.

Yes. HBCU football weekends are a great experience for fans of all ages. Families can enjoy museums, parks, Montgomery Whitewater, Riverfront Park, family-friendly restaurants, shopping, and community events throughout the weekend. The excitement of the marching bands, tailgating, and football creates an unforgettable experience that everyone can enjoy together.

Both stadiums are a short drive from downtown Montgomery, where many visitors choose to stay. Downtown hotels provide convenient access to restaurants, nightlife, attractions, and all three HBCU football weekends.

Montgomery offers more than just great football. Here, you'll experience historic rivalries, championship-caliber competition, legendary marching bands, vibrant tailgates, award-winning restaurants, live entertainment, nationally significant Civil Rights landmarks, and Southern hospitality, all in one destination. With three signature football weekends throughout the season, Montgomery gives fans multiple opportunities to return and create new traditions year after year.