First Time Athlete

Welcome to the Magic!

You earned your spot and we want to help you make the most of it! This guide will help you plan your trip to Birmingham and feel fully prepared for competition weekend.

Athlete check-in at Magic City Games

Mandatory Athlete Check-In

📅 July 17

⏰ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (appointment times TBA)

All athletes must plan to be in Birmingham on July 17 to complete check-in before competition begins.

At check-in, athletes will receive:

  • Athlete credential
  • Athlete competition package
  • Official Magic City Games athlete jersey

This is also a great time to get familiar with the venue and ask any last-minute questions.

📍 Bill Harris Arena
2340 Crossplex Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35208

Competition Weekend Schedule

Check-in: Teams and Individuals (12 PM - 6 PM)

Day 1: July 18: Team and Individual Competition (7 AM - 6 PM)

Day 2: July 19: Team and Individual Competition (7 AM - 4 PM

Athletes receive heat assignments through Competition Corner approximately 1 week out.

*times subject to change

Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham

Competition Venue

📍 Bill Harris Arena

2337 Bessemer Rd, Birmingham, AL 35208

Arena seating available for spectators.

Parking is on-site and paid.

Workouts

Individual and Team Event 1 (Offsite @ Railroad Park):

RX, Intermediate, 35-49: 10km Run

Novice, 50+: 5km Run

Further workouts will begin to be released in June, approximately six weeks before the competition.

Bringing Family or Friends?

There is plenty of arena seating available for spectators. Spectator tickets are required.

Helpful PSA: Have your friends, family, cheer section, etc purchase tickets BEFORE gameday as they will be more expensvie the day-of.

Spectator Tickets
Iced tea with watermelon at Seeds Coffee Co. near the Magic City Games venue

Coffee Near the Venue

Seeds Coffee Co.

📍 174 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209

Follow on Instagram: @seedscoffee

Great local stop for pre-competition caffeine. Also to be sold onsite during the event. Seriously... it's worth the trip.

Hydralive Therapy recovery services for Magic City Games athletes

Recovery Options for Athletes

Hydralive Therapy — Official Recovery Sponsor

Athletes receive 26% off recovery services with code MCG26 at the below locations, as well as onsite the weekend of.

Services may include IV hydration, vitamin therapy, and recovery support.

Homewood Location

Traveling to Birmingham

Fly into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM).

Rental cars and rideshare services are available.

Comfort Inn & Suites at CrossPlex Village

Where to Stay

Comfort Inn & Suites at CrossPlex Village

🚶Across the street from the venue.

📍 2341 Crossplex Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35208

📞 (205) 235-1738

🍽️ Free breakfast and parking. Book early.

Book a Hotel
Kate Patterson, Magic City Games Chief of Staff and Athlete Coordinator

Need Help During the Event?

Kate Patterson – Chief of Staff & Athlete Coordinator

Kate helps oversee event operations and athlete experience throughout the weekend.

The Magic City Games team is here to support you every step of the way!

Email Us!