Maryland, Georgia Drivers Reach Legion Field for 85th Magic City Classic

Tailgaters arriving at Legion Field on Friday said higher gas prices did not stop their trips to the Magic City Classic.

Wilbur Swanson drove from Maryland, outside Washington, D.C., to Birmingham for the event. "Twelve hour drive. Roughly 850 miles," Swanson said. He said his fuel bill has grown. "Normally runs $200, but I've seen that jump to $250, $260," Swanson said.

Tiffany Commings traveled from Loganville, Georgia, a drive she put at "about 253 miles." She said prices were lower last year. "The prices then were less, significantly less. It was probably like 40 to 50 cents less," Commings said. Shonquis Ryan of Greensboro, Alabama, said she filled her tank Friday. "I filled up today. That took like $39," Ryan said.

AAA put the national average for a gallon of regular gas at $4.20 on Friday. A year earlier, the average stood at $3.04, a gap of more than $1. AAA also reported the average fell five cents over the past week.

The Magic City Classic bills itself as the largest HBCU football game in the country. Alabama A&M and Alabama State are set to play at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Legion Field. Tailgaters who spoke Friday said they expected the higher prices and put the gathering ahead of the added cost. "It's the unity and love of family that drives me down here," Swanson said. Commings said she came to see family. "I am coming to see family, so it's worth it, but I am like, oh my gosh, this is ridiculous," Commings said.