The brainchild of Alabama college football legend Champ Pickens,[1] the contest began in 1939 and was held annually through 2001, with the exception of 1943 due to World War II.

In the game's later years, most of the players came from teams with losing records and from smaller schools which do not play NCAA Division I football.

[5][6] From then on, the Classic showcased many African American stars from smaller, lesser-known schools (including many historically black colleges and universities).

However, civil rights leaders complained that forcing African-American players from southern colleges and universities to represent the former Confederacy was both insensitive and offensive.

A large sit-in for peace was staged before the 1969 game that effectively blocked the gates at the stadium which resulted in protesters being forcibly removed, brutally beaten and arrested by the police.

From 1979 onward (and occasionally before that), the game was played on Christmas Day, which may have tended to limit the live attendance, but ensured it was on television at a time when potential viewership was great.

In December 2014, the Cramton Bowl began hosting the Camellia Bowl—the 2020 edition was held on Christmas Day, returning college football to the venue on the holiday for the first time in 19 years.