COLUMBUS, GA – September 15, 2025 – The Fountain City Classic (FCC) proudly celebrates its 35th Anniversary with a week filled with tradition, community pride, and new experiences which honor the past while investing in the future. On Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM, fans will pack the historic A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium as the Albany State University Golden Rams face off against the Fort Valley State University Wildcats in one of the most anticipated HBCU rivalries in the country. This clash is set to deliver fierce competition with SIAC Playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Don’t miss a second of the action live from the gridiron and broadcast nationwide on ESPN+!

Since its founding in 1990, the Fountain City Classic has stood for more than a football game, it is a movement for higher education, opportunity, and community uplift. Each year, the Classic generates vital funds for both universities and provides scholarships not only to graduating high school students enrolling at Albany State and Fort Valley State, but also to those pursuing higher education at universities across the nation. This year, the tradition expands with the launch of the Fountain City Classic Cares Fund (#CloseTheGap), a new initiative designed to provide assistance and scholarships for college students facing unexpected financial barriers.

Adding to the excitement, the Classic introduces new game day traditions:

• The Battle of the Drumline – high school drumlines bring rhythm, energy, and school pride to the field, with winners announced at halftime and a $2,500 prize awarded to the top band program.
• The Classic Challenge Scholarship Competition – between the 3rd and 4th quarter, college students will take center stage, competing in fast-paced challenges for scholarships, reminding fans that the Classic is about building futures as much as celebrating tradition.

“The Fountain City Classic has always stood for more than the competition on the field. It is a platform for access, a pathway to opportunity, and a beacon of community pride,” said Hon. Calvin Smyre, FCC Chairman. “As we mark 35 years of Classic Magic, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, partners, alumni, community leaders, and the loyal fan base who make this tradition possible year after year. Your unwavering support fuels scholarships, uplifts our HBCUs, and ensures the Classic remains a celebration of education, excellence, and sportsmanship.”

Robbie Branscomb, Executive Director of the Fountain City Classic, shared: “The Fountain City Classic is where community, education, and HBCU culture come together. From the energy of the game to the heartbeat of the bands, to the scholarships that change lives, the Classic will always be a true celebration of community pride, unity, and education.” Branscomb further stated: “This year, as we commemorate 35 years of Classic Magic, we are deepening that commitment through the Close the Gap Fund, a united effort between the FCC and our community to open doors, remove barriers, and inspire future leaders through new traditions that will carry this legacy forward.”

The storied rivalry between ASU and FVSU dates back to 1924, with ASU leading the overall series 46-40-4. Since moving to Columbus in 1990 and becoming the Fountain City Classic, ASU holds a 26-8 edge, ASU claimed victory in last year’s game with a 13-7 win. With ASU at 5-2 (SIAC) and (5-4 overall) and FVSU at 6-1 (SIAC) (6-3 overall), this year’s matchup is set to be another fierce contest.

With an expected 45,000 fans in attendance at South Commons, FCC weekend remains a family-friendly experience filled with pageantry, fellowship, and opportunities to support students through education. As the Fountain City Classic continues to foster excellence on and off the field, it remains a cornerstone for community engagement and educational support. For more information on this year’s event, tickets, the full week of activities and how to support the #CloseTheGap campaign, visit fountaincityclassic.com

ABOUT THE FOUNTAIN CITY CLASSIC, INC.
Founded in 1989, the Fountain City Classic (FCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that hosts the annual football game between two historically black universities (HBCUs), Albany State University and Fort Valley State University. As one of South Georgia’s premier events, the FCC has provided scholarship funds to both institutions and awarded scholarships to students from Columbus attending various higher learning institutions. Drawing an estimated 45,000 spectators to A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, GA, the FCC has become a significant event in the region. The 35th Annual Classic will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Major Sponsors of the Fountain City Classic: Chick-fil-A Foundation, Georgia Power Company, Synovus Bank, Aflac, Columbus Sports and Events Council, VisitColumbusGA, Atlanta Falcons, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Lottery Corp, TSYS/Global Payments, The Coca-Cola Company/Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Liberty Utilities, and Georgia Pacific.

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