Alabama, Auburn men’s basketball to play in ‘unprecedented’ preseason matchup this fall

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - For the first time in a long time, Alabama and Auburn will play one another in a preseason basketball matchup.

Announced Wednesday, Alabama and Auburn men’s basketball will meet in ‘The Feud, Presented by Shipt’, Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at Legacy Arena in Birmingham.

Event officials said the preseason exhibition will feature an evenly divided Legacy Arena, with Auburn fans seated on one side of the arena and Alabama fans on the other side. Officials said ticket inventory will feature unique Ticketmaster links that will place fans on the same side as their team’s bench.

“We are excited to add to this Alabama-Auburn series with The Feud in October,” said Alabama head coach Nate Oats. “Not only does this matchup mean so much to the state, but it has proven to be one of the best matchups in all of college basketball over recent years. We look forward to an exciting contest in front of our amazing fans at Legacy Arena.”

Birmingham-based company, Shpit, said they are excited for a night of competitive basketball in their backyard.

“Shipt powers same-day delivery for families all across the nation, and we’re proud to be based right here in Birmingham. Our team knows that nothing sparks excitement quite like the Alabama-Auburn rivalry,” said Shipt CEO Kamau Witherspoon. “We see this spirit come to life across our office, and we’re proud to sponsor The Feud, and see both these fanbases in Birmingham for a night of competitive basketball.”

Auburn head coach Steven Pearl said the game provides an incredible opportunity before the season gets tips-off.

“Our goal in scheduling exhibition games is to play quality opponents to test ourselves before the season official begins. Playing a team like Alabama provides us an incredible opportunity to accomplish that goal, while obviously giving our fans, our state and the entire basketball world a unique opportunity to see two rivals face off at a neutral site. The entire nation will be watching, and we are excited to represent Auburn University in what will be an unprecedented exhibition event.”

Officials said tickets for the game will be released in phases.

A pre-sale through each school’s athletic office will run from 12 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, giving fans of both teams the first opportunity to sit on their side of the arena.

Tickets will open to the general public Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 12 a.m. Officials said fans are required to purchase from their respective link to ensure they are seated on the correct side of the arena.

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