ESPN’s First Take Coming to the Magic City Classic

ESPN’s First Take, featuring executive producer and commentator Stephen A. Smith alongside host Molly Qerim, will spotlight Alabama A&M University this fall when the show goes live from Birmingham’s Legion Field for the 2025 Magic City Classic.

The broadcast, set for October 24, will be the second stop on First Take’s fall HBCU tour, putting the nation’s largest annual HBCU football game front and center. The Classic, presented by Coca-Cola and powered by Amazon, features Alabama A&M’s Bulldogs taking on in-state rival Alabama State. For Bulldog Nation, the appearance highlights the pride, culture, and pageantry of Alabama A&M and the Magic City Classic, a tradition that draws tens of thousands to Birmingham each year.

Other stops on the four-show HBCU tour include Norfolk State on August 28, Delaware State on October 29, and Bethune-Cookman University on November 20.

Since 2019, First Take has built a history of celebrating HBCUs. The program has broadcast from Winston-Salem State University — Smith’s alma mater — as well as Florida A&M, where guests included comedian Kevin Hart and producer Will Packer. The show has also joined HBCU Week festivities at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex and the 76ers Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware.

With Alabama A&M set to take the national stage this fall, the 2025 Magic City Classic promises to be bigger than ever — showcasing Bulldog pride for a nationwide audience.