Fountain City Classic Celebrates 35 Years of Legacy, Pride, and Purpose

The 35th Annual Fountain City Classic (FCC) returns to A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at 2 p.m., bringing with it one of the nation’s most celebrated HBCU football rivalries and a weeklong celebration of community, culture, and educational empowerment.

This year’s showdown features the Albany State University Golden Rams (5-2 SIAC, 5-4 overall) against the Fort Valley State University Wildcats (6-1 SIAC, 6-3 overall) in a game packed with playoff implications. With the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) postseason on the line, fans across the region—and around the country—will tune in live on ESPN+ for the latest chapter in a historic rivalry dating back to 1924.

But as FCC Chairman Hon. Calvin Smyre reminds the public, the Classic is “more than a game—it’s a movement.”

A Tradition of Uplift and Opportunity

Founded in 1990 and operated by the nonprofit Fountain City Classic, Inc., the Classic has long served as a platform to promote higher education, raise scholarship funds, and unite the community around the shared values of excellence, access, and pride in HBCU culture.

“The Fountain City Classic has always stood for more than the competition on the field,” Smyre said. “It is a platform for access, a pathway to opportunity, and a beacon of community pride.”

Each year, the Classic helps generate critical funding for Albany State and Fort Valley State while also awarding scholarships to high school seniors and current college students—both at the two participating universities and at institutions nationwide.

In 2025, FCC expands its impact with the launch of the “Fountain City Classic Cares Fund (#CloseTheGap),” a new initiative to assist college students facing unexpected financial barriers.

“This year, as we commemorate 35 years of Classic Magic, we are deepening that commitment,” said FCC Executive Director Robbie Branscomb. “The Close the Gap Fund is a united effort to open doors, remove barriers, and inspire future leaders.”

New Traditions, Same Classic Energy

While fans can expect the usual pageantry, fellowship, and fierce on-field action, this year’s Classic introduces new halftime and in-game traditions that reflect the FCC’s evolving mission.

• The Battle of the Drumline will showcase high school bands from across the region in a halftime competition for a $2,500 prize, adding rhythm and flair to the day’s festivities.
• The Classic Challenge Scholarship Competition will feature college students competing in live challenges between the third and fourth quarters to win scholarships—emphasizing that the Classic is as much about building futures as it is about honoring tradition.

A Lasting Legacy

Since the Classic’s move to Columbus in 1990, Albany State has led the series 26–8, including a 13–7 win in last year’s contest. Overall, the historic rivalry now stands at 46–40–4 in ASU’s favor.

With a projected 45,000 fans expected to converge on South Commons, FCC Weekend remains one of the largest and most impactful HBCU events in the Southeast. From tailgating and step shows to alumni reunions and community service, the Classic provides a family-friendly environment rooted in tradition, pride, and purpose.

“The Fountain City Classic is where community, education, and HBCU culture come together,” Branscomb said. “From the energy of the game to the heartbeat of the bands to the scholarships that change lives, this Classic will always be a true celebration of community unity and education.”

Major Sponsors

The 35th Annual FCC is made possible by the support of key sponsors, including: Chick-fil-A Foundation, Georgia Power Company, Synovus Bank, Aflac, Columbus Sports and Events Council, VisitColumbusGA, Atlanta Falcons, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Lottery Corp, TSYS/Global Payments, Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Liberty Utilities, Georgia-Pacific

For the full schedule of events, ticket information, and ways to support the #CloseTheGap campaign, visit fountaincityclassic.com