Fountain City Classic Expected to Boost Columbus Economy by Million

Fountain City Classic Expected to Boost Columbus Economy by $2 Million

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Thousands of football fans are descending on Columbus, Georgia, this weekend for the 36th annual Fountain City Classic, an event expected to drive a significant economic surge through the local community. According to a report from WTVM, the matchup is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, drawing crowds from across the state for a day of competition and tradition.

The scale of the gathering extends beyond the stadium gates. Local officials anticipate that the rivalry will generate more than $2 million in economic impact for the region. This influx of visitors provides an opportunity for the city’s hospitality and retail sectors to engage with the concentrated foot traffic.

The economic weight of the Classic

Craig Howard, the executive director of the Columbus Sports Council, noted that the Fountain City Classic stands as one of three major sporting events capable of drawing massive crowds to the city. He estimated that attendance could reach between 35,000 and 40,000 people.

For the local business landscape, these numbers represent more than just stadium seating; they represent a significant opportunity for small businesses and restaurants to engage with a transient population of visitors. Howard highlighted the dual nature of the event, noting that while the parking lots serve as hubs for social tailgating, the three hours of competition between the bands and the teams provide a high-quality experience that keeps people in the area.

“It’s a great opportunity to have fun out in the parking lot but then you can also have a great time to watch the bands and the teams compete. They are going to go at it for three hours and just walk away with a fantastic experience,” Howard said.

The economic benefits are further amplified by the geography of the event. Because the stadium is situated near uptown Columbus, visitors have immediate access to shopping, dining, and various local activities before and after the game. Howard suggested that the ability to host both an HBCU classic and Division II football is a major asset for the city, benefiting student-athletes and the local economy alike.

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

Committees host fundraising events for student education

While the football game is the centerpiece, the week leading up to the Saturday kickoff is defined by a series of social and philanthropic efforts. Various committees host fundraising events designed to provide financial support for students pursuing higher education.

Sharmagne Goff, an Albany State University graduate from the class of 1983, pointed to the deep-seated connections present at the event.

Fountain City Classic Expected to Boost Columbus Economy by $2 Million

“You see the amazing camaraderie of brotherhood, sisterhood, the D-9, the HBCU and just the bond that takes place,” Goff said.

This sense of continuity is echoed by long-term residents. Carla Curry, a Columbus resident, has attended the game for more than three decades. She described the atmosphere as a combination of “family, fun, food, and fellowship.” Similarly, Eva Smith, an alumna of Albany State, noted that the energy surrounding the event is palpable, stating that “everybody is pumped up and is ready to go.”

More on Fountain City Classic

Midday Interview: 36th annual Fountain City Classic
What the Fountain City Classic offers to the community
Fountain City Classic: Media Luncheon

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