It is played at Legion Field in Birmingham (nicknamed the "Magic City").

The classic has become one of the highest attended Division I FCS (formerly Division I-AA) games in the nation and the largest event in Birmingham carrying a nearly $25 million economic impact.

The classic is the largest HBCU event in the nation attracting nearly 200,000 participants.

Many festivities are held in conjunction with the game, including a pep rally, comedy show, scholarship breakfast, concert/festival, soirees, tailgating, block parties, alumni gatherings, 2-hour parade, and a popular "Battle of the Bands" between AAMU’s Marching Maroon and White Band and ASU's Mighty Marching Hornets.

In recent years, the classic has attracted numerous African-American celebrities, public figures, and elected officials to Birmingham.