Fountain City Classic festivities kick off early at Golden Donuts

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — The Fountain City Classic may not officially kick off until Saturday, but fans from both Fort Valley State University and Albany State University started celebrating early Friday morning at Golden Donuts in Columbus.

Alumni and supporters from both schools gathered to dance, reconnect, and enjoy sweet treats before the big game.

The event offered a mix of fellowship, food, and fun — a preview of the excitement to come as the two rivals prepare for the 35th annual Fountain City Classic.

“Food, fellowship, and fun — when I say fun, I mean a lot of fun,” one attendee said. “You want to take advantage of everything that’s going on in one day.”

Beyond football, organizers say the Classic carries deep meaning for both universities, serving as a celebration of tradition and a fundraiser for students.

“It’s like a family reunion, but it’s also an opportunity for student scholarships,” said one representative. “We have the Fountain City Classic Scholarship and the Close the Gap campaign, which help current college students at Fort Valley and Albany State who need assistance.”

The Fountain City Classic is set to mark its 35th year this weekend at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, drawing thousands of fans from across Georgia and beyond.

WRBL News 3 will have more coverage from this year’s Classic this weekend.