What was supposed to be a night of celebration following one of the biggest college football rivalries in the country ended in bloodshed Saturday evening after gunfire erupted near Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. One person was killed and eight others were wounded in the shooting, which happened shortly after the 85th annual Magic City Classic between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University.
Police said officers were called to the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West shortly after 7:50 p.m. on October 31, 2026. The area is near the south end of Legion Field, where thousands of fans had gathered earlier to watch the two Alabama universities face off.
Nine people were struck by gunfire. One victim was pronounced dead, while eight others suffered injuries. By early Sunday morning, police reported that one of the surviving victims was in critical condition. The other seven were listed in stable condition. Authorities had not released the victims’ names or provided details about the person who died.
The shooting happened after the football game, while people were still gathered around the stadium and nearby vendor areas. The Magic City Classic is one of the largest annual gatherings in college football and is widely recognized as the country’s biggest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football event. Its festivities usually bring large crowds to Birmingham for the game, tailgating, food vendors and other activities.
Birmingham police responded to the scene and secured the area so emergency crews could treat the wounded. Officers also recovered multiple firearms. One person was detained and taken to Birmingham Police headquarters for questioning. However, authorities had not publicly identified that individual or announced any formal charges.
Police Chief Michael Pickett confirmed that the shooting happened after the game and said most of the violence took place outside the stadium property. Following the gunfire, authorities immediately suspended the remaining Magic City Classic tailgating activities and instructed everyone to leave the stadium area.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin urged anyone who witnessed the shooting or recorded anything that could help investigators to come forward. Police are asking people with relevant photographs or video footage to submit them through the department’s online tip-submission process. Officials have also emphasized that people providing information can remain anonymous.
As of Sunday, November 1, investigators had not publicly established what led to the shooting. Police had also not released the identity of the person killed or announced an arrest. The investigation remains active as authorities work to establish what happened and identify everyone involved.
The shooting took place along Graymont Avenue West near Legion Field in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. What began as a major football celebration ended with one family mourning a loved one and eight other people recovering from gunshot wounds.
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