The 36th annual Fountain City Classic brings one of Georgia's oldest HBCU rivalries back to Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Fort Valley State University Wildcats take on the Albany State University Golden Rams at historic A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium.

Kickoff is at 2 p.m., and gates open at noon.

Billed as "the ultimate clash of rivals," the Classic is one of the biggest weekends of the year in the Chattahoochee Valley, drawing alumni, families and fans from across Georgia and Alabama for a day of football, marching bands, tailgating and homecoming-style reunions.

**Tickets**

Advance tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students and youth. On game day, tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and youth. College students need a valid student ID for the student price. Children 5 and under get in free.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster (linked from fountaincityclassic.com) and at these Columbus outlets:

• Columbus Civic Center box office, 400 4th St., (706) 653-4482
• Chester's Grocery & Barbecue, 213 Northstar Drive, (706) 689-9042
• Wild Bill's Party Shop, 3434 Buena Vista Road, (706) 687-0723
• Home Hardware, 3863 St. Marys Road, (706) 689-4228

Game-day tickets will be sold at the Columbus Civic Center box office.

**Know before you go**

A clear bag policy will be enforced at the stadium, so leave purses and backpacks at home or bring a clear bag.

[CHECK: parking details and lots. Not yet posted on the official site; call the Classic office at (706) 324-4080 or the Civic Center at (706) 653-4482.]

**Start the day at the parade**

The 36th annual Fountain City Classic Parade steps off at 9 a.m. the same morning, traveling from Colin Powell Parkway in Phenix City across the river to 9th Street and Broadway in downtown Columbus. The parade features the marching bands and royal courts of both universities. (See our parade story for the route and how to enter.)

**More information**

For the latest schedule, visit fountaincityclassic.com, call (706) 324-4080 or email [email protected]. Find Classic weekend events, including tailgates, on The Columbus Times community events calendar at columbustimes.com/events.