Alabama State Hornets Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Eddie Robinson

Team Mascot: Stinger

Year Opened: 2012

Capacity: 26500

City / State: Montgomery / Alabama

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Magic City Classic

Rival Team: Alabama Crimson Tide and Alabama A&M Bulldogs

The annual Magic City Classic takes place each year between the two largest historically black universities in Alabama, Alabama A&M, and Alabama State. The matchup dates back to 1924, and it is typically the highest attended FCS game of the season. Head on up to Birmingham for the Magic City Classic between Alabama A&M and Alabama State.

Turkey Day Classic

Rival Team: Tuskegee Golden Tigers

Alabama State and Tuskegee play each year in the Turkey Day Classic. The rivalry began in 1924, and it has been played every year since then. The Turkey Day Classic also serves as Alabama State’s homecoming game, meaning there isn’t a better time to attend a Hornets game at New ASU Stadium than the Turkey Day Classic.

Alabama State Hornets Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Like elsewhere in the south, tailgating is a huge part of the football culture at Alabama State. Hornets fans arrive bright and early for an entire day of tailgating making a trip to a Hornets game worth it for the tailgate alone.

Everywhere you look on game days you’ll see Hornets fans dressed in black and gold barbecuing, drinking, dancing, and having fun. The fans here love to tailgate almost as much as they love their team creating a fun atmosphere that any tailgate fan will enjoy.

The New ASU Stadium and the Hornets return to campus have further improved an already fun tailgate experience as the new tailgating areas around the stadium offer just about any amenity you could want. There are plenty of restrooms as well as electrical hook ups near the tailgate making it easy for you to throw a party outside New ASU Stadium.

Finally, if you’re a Hornets fan, or even if you’re not, make sure to attend the Hornet Legends Walk. The Hornet Legends Walk is a must-see and your chance to see your favorite ASU players up close, so don’t miss it.

You’ll have a lot of time tailgating at Alabama State, so get here early and enjoy all the pregame festivities.

Traditions

Hornet Legends Walk

Make sure to check out the Hornet Legend Walk before the game. The Hornet Legends Walk gives you the opportunity to see your favorite Hornets players up close before the game. The walk takes place two hours before kickoff and has the Hornets football team walk down Harris Way and continue between the Life Science and Abernathy building.

Where to tailgate

Alabama State Hornets Stadium Guide

In Game

New ASU Stadium is worth the trip to Montgomery for an Alabama State football game all by itself, but the incredible band and dance teams are also must-sees for any college football fan. The Hornets moved into New ASU Stadium in 2012, and since then they have been playing one of the most beautiful palaces in not only the SWAC but all of the FCS. Enjoy the fantastic sight lines and countless amenities at New ASU Stadium while watching the Hornets play.

While New ASU Stadium is quite a treat for fans, it still doesn’t stop the performance of the Mighty Marching Hornets Band. The Mighty Marching Hornets Band steals the show at every Hornets game, and you won’t want to miss their halftime performance, so stay in your seat during the break.

Finally, both the Stingettes and Honeybeez will dazzle you with their routines. Both dance groups put on an incredible show and are both can’t miss parts of any Hornets football game. Stop whatever you’re doing and turn your attention to the field when one of these groups starts to perform.

A trip to Alabama State is a must for any FCS football fan thanks to the gorgeous new stadium and Alabama State’s amazing band and dance teams.

Things to check out

New Stadium

New ASU Stadium is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the SWAC as well as the FCS. The new stadium is worth the trip alone for any college football fan, so enjoy the beautiful venue during your trip to Montgomery.

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Mighty Marching Hornets Band

Like most historically black universities, Alabama State is home to an incredible band. The Mighty Marching Hornets Band is one of the main draws at ASU, and you won’t want to leave your seat when you see them take the field as they usually steal the show.

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Stingettes

The Stingettes will dazzle you with their dance moves at the game. The dance team puts on a fantastic show and is a must-see part of any Hornets game, so stop what you’re doing when you see them take the field.

play Watch video

Honeybeez

Enjoy the performances of the Honeybeez throughout the game. You won’t want to miss these talented performers as they’re one of the best parts of any Alabama State football game.

play Watch video

Hornet Mascot

The mascot at Alabama State is beloved by the fans, especially the young ones, making him a fun part of any Hornets game. Keep an eye out for the mascot as you never know what he’ll do next.

Fight Songs

  1. Hail Alabama

    Hail, Alabama State University
    How we love your name.
    Your spacious halls respond with knowledge
    Deeds extol your fame.
    Hurrah, hurrah for the Black and Gold!
    Hurrah, hurrah for heroes bold!
    Dear Alma Mater, we adore you,
    In one loud acclaim.

    (Chorus)
    Alabama! Alabama!
    Hail, hail, hail, hail college so dear
    Alabama, Alabama!
    ’tis for you we’ll cheer
    All hail the men who fight on the field
    All hail your glory that can’t be repealed;
    So hail, hail, hail Alabama!
    Hail, hail, hail!

    (Trio)
    To the Black and Gold
    Let our giant echoes roll
    In the breeze, on the air,
    Let our banner wave so fair,
    Sing Hurrah, Sing Hurrah,
    Sing Hurrah, rah-rah-rah-rah
    Hey!

    (Repeat Chorus)

  2. Alabama State Alma Mater

    Alabama State, O Mother Dear
    Again we come to thee
    Our pains and sorrows we forget
    When e’er thy face we see
    O happy harbor, blessed place
    O sweet and pleasant soil
    In thee we hope, in thee we trust
    For thee we pray and toil.

    Thy Sons and Daughters love thy halls
    Aglow with truth and light
    And every heart beats true to thee
    In whom there is no night
    O Alma Mater, fair and dear
    We proudly hail thy name
    Which far and near is known and loved
    And crowned with glowing fame.

    Thy campus flowers and shady walks
    Bring thoughts of Marion Green
    Before thy trials in Beulah Vale
    Which God from us did screen
    But now we stand on College Heights
    Content with God’s decree
    For all He does is right and good
    And makes for liberty.

Alabama State Hornets Bars & Restaurants

  1. Freeze Daiquiri Bar & Grill

    Beer mug Crafty Rooster

    Great drink, delicious food, and nice staff.

    115 E South Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36105, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. The Pine Bar

    The Pine Bar

    We have an extensive selection of draft, craft, and high-gravity geers. We also serve fine wines, champagnes and signature cocktails.

    501 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Jubilee Seafood

    Jubilee Seafood

    Nestled in the heart of Old Cloverdale, Jubilee Seafood has established a reputation for the best choice of seafood in town.

    1057 Woodley Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  4. La Zona Rosa

    La Corona Taco La Chiquita Tacos Taco Corono Mexican Restaurant Tacos El Burrito Loco

    From our great Lunch selection and value to our "table cloth and candle" evening atmosphere for Dinner, La Zona Rosa has something to offer to all connoisseurs of fine Mexican dining!

    2838 Zelda Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  5. Martin’s Restaurant

    fried chicken

    Delicious and mouth-watering home-style cooking.

    1796 Carter Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Chicken Salad Chick

    Chicken Salad Chick

    The perfect chicken salad.

    7924 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, AL 36116, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Midtown Pizza Kitchen

    Midtown Pizza Kitchen

    Amazingly tasty food, great atmosphere, and nice service.

    2940 Zelda Rd #1, Montgomery, AL 36106, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  8. KRU on Mt. Meigs

    KRU on Mt Meigs

    A KRO is a place of welcome, hospitality, conversation and meeting new folks and neighbors over food and drink.

    2118 Mt Meigs Rd, Montgomery, AL 36107, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Leroy

    Leroy

    The Mostest Horse There Ever Was

    2752 Boultier St, Montgomery, AL 36106, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. El Rey Burrito Lounge

    El Rey Burrito Lounge

    Great food and drinks, and friendly staff.

    1031 E Fairview Ave, Montgomery, AL 36106, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  11. Vintage Year

    Vintage Year

    Finest hand-cut meats, the freshest seafood and outstanding wines and spirits along with excellent service!

    405 Cloverdale Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  12. Chris’ Hot Dogs

    Burger

    Chris’ is a place where everyone, including young and old, rich and poor, black and white, from any country are welcome and can all dine harmoniously in this wonderful institution.

    138 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. Baumhower’s Restaurant

    Baumhowers Restaurant

    Your favorite Southern classics with a twist!

    2465 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36117, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Dreamland Bar-B-Que

    Dreamland BarBQue barbecue bbq

    It feels like you are attending a family picnic indoors and the ribs are delicious, cooked the same way for over 50 years.

    Teague Hardware Building, 12 W Jefferson St, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - $$