Turkey Day Classic facts for kids

The Turkey Day Classic is a famous college football game that is usually played every year on Thanksgiving Day. For many years, the game was a big rivalry between two historically black universities: Alabama State University and Tuskegee University.

The game started in Montgomery, Alabama, at a stadium called the Cramton Bowl. In 2012, it moved to the new ASU Stadium. This event is more than just a football game. It's a huge celebration with parades and parties in downtown Montgomery. These special games are known as black college football classics.

History of the Game

The first Turkey Day Classic was played in 1924, making it the oldest black college football classic. The rivalry between Alabama State and Tuskegee was the main event for most of its history.

For a long time, Tuskegee University chose to play in the Turkey Day Classic instead of the NCAA Division II National Football Championship playoffs. This was true even in years when their team was good enough to compete for the national title. Similarly, Alabama State and other teams in its conference, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), do not compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship. This allows them to play in classic games like this one and the Bayou Classic. Instead, SWAC teams can compete for the Celebration Bowl.

Changes Through the Years

The classic has seen many changes over the decades. The teams playing and even the date of the game have sometimes been different.

A Break in the Rivalry

In 2013, Tuskegee decided to start playing in the Division II playoffs. This meant they could no longer play on Thanksgiving Day. The Turkey Day Classic continued, but Alabama State played against Stillman College instead.

For a couple of years, Alabama State stopped the classic to have a chance at the Division I championship. They played their homecoming game in November against teams like Stillman College and Miles College.

The Classic Returns

In 2016, the Turkey Day Classic returned to its traditional Thanksgiving date. Alabama State played against Miles College. The rivalry between Alabama State and Tuskegee also came back in 2017, but as a new game called the Labor Day Classic, played in September.

Over the next few years, Alabama State played different opponents on Thanksgiving. These included Edward Waters College, Mississippi Valley State University, and Prairie View A&M. These changes were made to try and bring more fans to the game.

The Rivalry is Back on Thanksgiving

The game was not played in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in 2021, fans were excited to see Tuskegee University return as the opponent for the Turkey Day Classic. The historic rivalry was back on its traditional day.

In 2022, the University of Arkansas–Pine Bluff played against the Alabama State Hornets. In 2023 and 2024, the classic once again featured the historic matchup between Alabama State and Tuskegee.

Game results

NOTE: no game in 2020.

(*) Game was decided in overtime

See also

• List of black college football classics
• American football on Thanksgiving