Alabama, Auburn, and Samford basketball to play in 2026 Ballin in Boutwell event

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Ballin in Boutwell is back.

Alabama and Auburn announced this week that the men’s and women’s basketball programs will both participate in the 2026 Ballin in Boutwell in Birmingham inside the historic Boutwell Auditorium.

Alabama announced that the men’s program will play in the event for the third straight season this fall when they take on Ole Miss in an Oct. 15 preseason matchup, and the women’s team will take on Alabama Huntsville (UAH).

Auburn, who is playing in the event for the second straight year, tipping off their preseason matchup Oct. 14 against Florida State.

“We’re thrilled to open the season at Boutwell Auditorium against a quality opponent like Florida State,” said Tigers head coach Steven Pearl. “Ballin in Boutwell provides a great opportunity for our team to gain valuable experience while competing in front of our incredible fans at an outstanding venue. We can’t wait to tip off the season in such a special atmosphere.”

On the women’s side, the Lady Tigers will take on Central Florida.

“We’re so excited to play in Birmingham this year,” said Auburn head coach Larry Vickers. “Last year we had a neutral game there, and the fans came out and really supported us. We also saw what the men’s game (at Boutwell) was like last year, and we’re super excited to be a part of that process.”

The Samford men’s basketball team will also play in the event, taking on Alabama A&M Oct. 13.

2026 will mark the first year that Ballin in Boutwell will host five games and a youth basketball showcase.

The event will be presented by Nike and Hibbett, and Hibbett President and CEO Jared Briskin said they are excited to continue to build on the momentum of the event.

“We’re excited to be back in the historic Boutwell Auditorium for the third edition of Ballin in Boutwell. Last year, the Birmingham community experienced four thrilling basketball games, exclusive Ballin in Boutwell Nike merchandise and unique fan activations that could only be found at Ballin in Boutwell. We’re excited to continue to build on the momentum to offer the Birmingham community more basketball and exclusive experiences that are only available at the Ballin in Boutwell games.”

Tickets for the event are now available for purchase. Click or tap here for more information.

You can find a full schedule of the event below:

**NOTE: All tip-off times are written in central time

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