Historic HBCU rivalry venue changed to Alabama’s capital

Montgomery just made a bold power play—and it’s shaking up one of HBCU football’s most storied rivalries.

The 86th annual Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic, a marquee event on the HBCU sports calendar, is moving to Alabama’s capital this October. The game is the oldest football rivalry between Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Tuskegee leads the all-time series 74-30-7.

The game will be held at the 21,000-seat Cramton Bowl, marking yet another chapter in the rivalry’s winding history of relocation. While the news may surprise fans who were expecting its return to Columbus, the move could inject new life—and meaning—into the Classic.

Montgomery isn’t just a venue swap. It’s a city rich with civil rights legacy, making it a meaningful backdrop for an HBCU rivalry rooted in tradition and cultural pride. “Our city, a cornerstone of the civil rights movement, is the perfect backdrop for this cherished tradition,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, a Morehouse alum. This relocation is more than logistical—it’s symbolic.

Morehouse, this year’s home team, had the final call on the venue. Athletics Director Harold Ellis made it clear the move was driven by “financial reasons,” noting the support and partnership Montgomery offered. Without a formal contract keeping the game in Columbus, flexibility played a role. “I have no doubt they will show up and show out for this Classic,” Ellis added, anticipating strong fan turnout in Montgomery.

For fans in Columbus, this is a tough pill to swallow. The city hosted the Classic for decades, becoming part of its identity. Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic Committee Chair Lisa Goodwin acknowledged the disappointment, calling the move “bittersweet.” Still, she emphasized the need for consistency to help the Classic grow long-term.

This move may be temporary—or it could signal a new era. Either way, fans should circle their calendars. Montgomery isn’t just hosting a football game—it’s hosting a cultural celebration. HBCU pride travels well, and this fall, the Classic rolls into a city ready to embrace its legacy.

Stay tuned. This rivalry is far from finished.