News Summary
Birmingham prepares for the ‘Ballin in Boutwell’ event from October 13 to 16, showcasing both men’s and women’s college basketball teams. The event includes games featuring Samford versus Alabama A&M and Auburn against Oklahoma State. Excitement surrounds Auburn’s new partnership with Nike, as well as the participation of in-state teams. Coaches emphasize the significance of this event in celebrating collegiate basketball and engaging fans in Alabama’s vibrant sports community.
Birmingham is gearing up for the highly anticipated “Ballin in Boutwell” event, a major college basketball exhibition showcasing both men’s and women’s teams. Announced by Mayor Randall Woodfin, the event will take place from October 13 to October 16, demonstrating the city’s growing commitment to collegiate sports and its vibrant basketball community.
The opening game will feature Samford facing Alabama A&M, while Auburn men’s basketball will go head-to-head with Oklahoma State on October 15 at 7 p.m. CT, marking the start of their season. Notably, this game will also spotlight Auburn’s new Nike jerseys and equipment, as the team enters a partnership with the athletic apparel giant, which has positively impacted team morale.
Significant attendance is expected, with college basketball enthusiasts being invited to experience the action up close. Coaches from participating teams have expressed their excitement about the event’s potential to engage fans and elevate the profile of college basketball in Alabama, often regarded as a powerhouse in the sport.
Auburn’s associate head coach, Steven Pearl, highlighted the state’s impressive basketball programs, citing the Southeastern Conference’s dominance and the possibility of Alabama being the best basketball state in the country. Additionally, Alabama women’s basketball coach Kristy Curry emphasized the importance of celebrating the sport and promoting women’s athletics through this initiative.
The event aims to spotlight the enthusiasm surrounding collegiate basketball in Birmingham, a city known for its dedicated fanbase. Mayor Woodfin articulated the city’s loyalty to the sport, noting the historical significance of the games hosted in Birmingham, including five previous games played by Auburn.
Furthermore, both Auburn and Alabama have experienced success on the court recently, with the two teams collectively securing nine Southeastern Conference season and tournament championships since 2018. The event serves as part of a broader trend in college basketball to engage fans prior to the regular season, allowing programs to build excitement and showcase their talent.
This year’s “Ballin in Boutwell” will involve additional in-state programs, providing a platform for four teams to compete and entertain. Players from all participating teams have high expectations, with Auburn’s guard Taahas Pettiford returning as a key performer and Alabama integrating new transfer Houston Mallette into their squad.
Tickets for the games are currently available for purchase at ballininboutwell.com, providing fans access to enjoy an immersive and entertaining basketball experience. As anticipation builds, the event promises to be not only a highlight for college sports fans but also a celebration of Birmingham’s role in the landscape of college basketball.
Organizations like Hibbett, represented by its president Jared Briskin, have recognized the significance of bolstering basketball events in Birmingham, reinforcing the city’s commitment to becoming a vibrant hub for athletics. With so much talent on display and a schedule filled with exciting matchups, “Ballin in Boutwell” is set to captivate audiences and foster a deeper connection between teams and their fans.
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Additional Resources
- Auburn Tigers
- Wikipedia: College Basketball
- AL.com
- Google Search: Alabama basketball
- ABC 33/40
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Bham Now
- Google News: College basketball Alabama 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
