Fans travel to Columbus for 36th Fountain City Classic

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Fans from across the state are traveling to Columbus to tailgate and attend the 36th annual Fountain City Classic, which is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium.Local officials said the annual rivalry is expected to bring in more than $2 million in economic impact.Attendance and economic impactCraig Howard, executive director of the Columbus Sports Council, said the Fountain City Classic is one of three sporting events that draw a big crowd to Columbus. He said an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 people are expected.Howard said the crowd is an opportunity for small businesses and local restaurants to impress visitors.“It’s a great opportunity to have fun out in the parking lot but then you can also have a great time to watch the bands and the teams compete. They are going to go at it for three hours and just walk away with a fantastic experience,” Howard said.Fundraising eventsIn the week leading up to the game, committees host fundraising events. T