Tickets start at $12 for the Nov. 7 HBCU matchup at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium

The Fountain City Classic returns to Columbus for its 36th year, again matching Fort Valley State University and Albany State University at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium.

The Wildcats and the Golden Rams, longtime rivals in HBCU football, will kick off at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. Gates open at noon.

The Classic is one of the region's most anticipated events each year. Along with the game itself, it draws thousands of fans for tailgating, alumni reunions and pageantry. Organizers are promoting this year's edition with the slogan "Classic Magic is Back."

Tickets

Advance tickets are on sale now:

Standard admission: $20 Youth (ages 5–16): $12 College students (ages 17–22): $12 with a valid college student ID

Tickets bought on game day are available only at the Columbus Civic Center box office:

Standard admission: $25 Youth/student admission: $15

Tickets bought through Ticketmaster carry extra fees. Staff at the gate will check IDs for student tickets.

What to know before you go

The stadium will enforce a clear bag policy, so fans should plan ahead and leave non-compliant bags at home.

For more information, go to fountaincityclassic.com.