Fountain City Classic set to bring thousands to Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Football fans from across West Georgia are gearing up for the 35th annual Fountain City Classic, the storied matchup between Albany State University and Fort Valley State University.

Ahead of the big game, coaches, players, and community leaders gathered Tuesday for the annual Media and Coaches Luncheon at the Green Island Country Club.

More than a dozen local high schools joined in the festivities as excitement builds for one of the city’s largest sporting events of the year.

Fountain City Classic Committee Chairman Calvin Smyre said fans can expect a full weekend of celebration.

“We’re going to have a great football game and two great HBCUs visiting Columbus for three days,” Smyre said. “We expect some 45,000 people to gather for tailgating and good, clean, safe fun at South Commons and A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium.”

The Fountain City Classic is one of Columbus’ longest-running traditions, celebrating HBCU excellence, community pride, and Southern football culture.

The annual HBCU rivalry is set to kick off at 2 p.m. Saturday at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium.