Birmingham bars and alumni ready for Saturday's overlapping crowds

Birmingham businesses are preparing for a Saturday that brings Halloween and the Magic City Classic together, with crowds expected at bars and on the roads across the city. Up-Down general manager Tucker Cox said the bar has added inventory for the day. "We got all the extra liquor we need so as much as we can do, we are ready!" Cox said.

Cox said Halloween is the bar's most successful day of the year, and that revenue from that Saturday carries the business through colder months. "We go full tilt. That keeps us up through the winter. When weather is cold and people don't come out as much, it's Halloween, that's awesome," Cox said. He said he expects a larger crowd because the Classic falls on the same date. "I am expecting a wild day. We are going to keep our heads down and roll with it and see how it goes," Cox said.

Alumni from both schools said the shared date gives the weekend added reasons to gather. Alabama A&M alumna Sharon Rice said, "I think we have a lot to celebrate this time." Alabama State University alumna Lavonette Stockes said, "I think it's going to be fun, it's going to be a lot of kids out, the weather is going to be really good."

Several people urged drivers to plan ahead for Saturday. Rice asked for care on the roads: "I think that everyone should be very cautious, slow down and watch out for the other guy, then we will all have a good time." Jheryl Porter, who is celebrating Halloween, said people should line up a designated driver and noted that securing an Uber could be difficult.

Alabama A&M alumna Tamara Travis advised leaving well before kickoff. "Don't wait until game time, leave hours ahead of time because roads will be closed and blocked and you won't be able to get through," Travis said. Delays are expected Saturday across Birmingham as both events take place the same day.

Up-Down's plan for the date is set, with stock in place and staffing ready for the crowd. Cox said the bar will operate at full capacity through the day and into the night.