36th Annual Fountain City Classic: Albany State vs Fort Valley State

36th Annual Fountain City Classic: Albany State vs Fort Valley State

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COLUMBUS, Ga. — The 36th Annual Fountain City Classic kicks off Thursday, Nov. 5, and WTVM reported that the week of festivities builds toward Saturday’s 2 p.m. showdown at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, where the Albany State University Golden Rams host the Fort Valley State University Wildcats. It is one of the oldest rivalries in HBCU football, dating to 1924, and this year’s edition carries extra weight for both programs: Albany State sits at 4-3 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and 4-5 overall, while Fort Valley State is 1-5 in the SIAC and 2-6 overall.

The numbers tell the story of two teams moving in opposite directions this season. Fort Valley State leads the all-time series 45-42-4, but when these two schools meet in Columbus for the Fountain City Classic, Albany State owns the ledger at 27-8 — and the home team is the defending winner, having routed the Wildcats 48-3 in the 35th Annual Classic last season.

Midday Interview: 36th annual Fountain City Classic

A rivalry that predates the game itself

The Fountain City Classic as an event was founded in 1989 and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but the football rivalry between the two Georgia HBCUs stretches back a full century to 1924. The Classic draws an estimated 45,000 spectators to South Commons and A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, making it one of the biggest annual gatherings in the region.

“The rivalry between Albany State and Fort Valley State is fierce, and that competitive spirit is part of what makes the Fountain City Classic so special,” said Calvin Smyre, chairman of the Fountain City Classic. “This game brings an incredible energy to our community, and it creates camaraderie among alumni, families, fans, and communities from across the region. No matter which team you support, there is shared pride in being part of this tradition.”

That community energy starts well before kickoff. The full slate of events begins Thursday, Nov. 5, with Early Bird Tailgate setup from 3-6 p.m. for registered tailgaters ($25 online), followed by the 19th Annual FCC Cufflinks & Pearls + LOTT (Leaders of Today & Tomorrow) Networking Mixer from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Columbus River Center for the Performing Arts — free admission, with a panel discussion, door prizes, refreshments, a cash bar and a special guest appearance.

Four days of events lead to Saturday’s parade and kickoff

Friday, Nov. 6 brings the FCC Coffee Sip from 7:30-10:30 a.m., featuring a live remote with Foxie 105 and K92.7’s Michael Soul in the Morning Drive plus prizes and giveaways. The 33rd Annual FCC “Close the Gap” Golf Classic follows at Bull Creek Golf Course in Midland, Ga., with lunch and registration at 10 a.m. and a noon shotgun start. Tailgate setup resumes at 8 a.m., the Vendor Fair Village opens 6 p.m.-midnight in the Main Atrium of the Columbus Convention and Trade Center, the Chairman’s Reception runs 7-9 p.m. in Ballrooms B and C (invitation only), and the Old School New School “Bring Ya Boots Edition” party with The Boosie Black Tie Experience goes from 8 p.m.-midnight in the Foundry Room ($15 in advance, $20 at the door).

Saturday, Nov. 7 is game day. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with the Fountain City Classic Parade, which starts on Broad Street in Phenix City, crosses the 13th Street Bridge into Georgia and continues on Broadway through Uptown Columbus. The FCC Tailgate Village opens 7 a.m.-8 p.m., with tailgate fees ranging from $10 for parking to $200 for large tents, RVs and campers; small tents and grassy areas run $100 each, and golf carts are not allowed. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

Fountain city classic

At halftime, the Fort Valley State Blue Machine Marching Band and the Albany State Marching Rams Show Band will both perform, and students will take the field for the Classic Challenge, presented by the Georgia Lottery Corporation, competing for cash prizes.

Tickets, parking and the mission behind the game

For fans planning to attend, game tickets are $20 for adults in advance and $25 at the gate; children and students pay $12 in advance and $15 at the gate with ID. South Commons parking is $10, and the stadium enforces a clear bag policy. Full schedules and ticket information are available at fountaincityclassic.com.

Beyond the football, the Classic carries a stated educational mission through its Close the Gap initiative, which directs resources to college students facing financial barriers so they can continue their education.

“The Fountain City Classic is a celebration of two outstanding institutions and the alumni, students, and communities who proudly support them,” said Robbie Branscomb, executive director of the Fountain City Classic. “The energy of game day is unforgettable, but the educational impact we create together lasts far beyond the final whistle. Every scholarship and every opportunity to help a student finish strong reflects what this tradition makes possible.”

With Albany State looking to defend its 48-3 win from a year ago and Fort Valley State searching for its second win of the season, Saturday’s 2 p.m. kickoff at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium closes out a week that begins Thursday.

Fort Valley State, Albany State set for 36th Fountain City Classic

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