For the 3rd time in 4 years the New Orleans Pelicans will play a preseason NBA game at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. A massive win for Birmingham. 

NBA History in Birmingham:

Birmingham has hosted NBA preseason games dating back to the 70’s with the first game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons on October 16, 1976. It marked the first ever professional basketball game hosted at the now Legacy Arena. Just 27 years later, a player by the name of LeBron James would begin his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Makes you think.

NBA Preseason Games in Birmingham

Date	Teams	Result / Notes
Oct. 16, 1976	Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons	Cavs won 120-109 (first NBA game at arena)
Oct. 11, 1977	Detroit Pistons vs. Atlanta Hawks	Pistons won 110-104
Oct. 10, 1981	Kansas City Kings vs. Atlanta Hawks	Kings won 102-84
Oct. 12, 1985	Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks	76ers won 128-125
Oct. 25, 1988	Philadelphia 76ers vs. Phoenix Suns	76ers won 133-126
Oct. 17, 1991	Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Bullets	Bulls won 121-116
Oct. 24, 1999	Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons	Rockets won 98-96
Oct. 13, 2004	Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Atlanta Hawks	Timberwolves won 99-96
Oct. 12, 2005	Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Bobcats	Hawks won 109-105
Oct. 2, 2018	Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies	Rockets won 131-115
Oct. 14, 2022	New Orleans Pelicans vs. Atlanta Hawks	Pelicans won 120-111
Oct. 14, 2025	New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets	Scheduled at Legacy Arena

Michael Jordan in Birmingham:

Fast forward to October 17, 1991. A player by the name Michael Jordan is lacing up to play a preseason game in Birmingham. Little did people know, it would be the start of one of the greatest dynasty runs of all-time.  

Yes, the Chicago Bulls six NBA Championship dynasty run started in Birmingham. They don’t want you to know this.

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Washington Bullets, 121-116 with Jordan dropping 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists at BJCC Coliseum (now Legacy Arena). Birmingham. It’s called The Magic City for a reason.

More recently in 2022, Legacy Arena reached capacity when the Atlanta Hawks came to town to face the New Orleans Pelicans. 15,486 fans packed out Legacy to watch as Brandon Ingram dropped 19 points and Trae Young 17, resulting in a 120-111 Pelicans victory.

The last time Birmingham hosted an NBA preseason game—two seasons ago—former Auburn star Jabari Smith Jr. impressed with 22 points and 9 rebounds in just 24 minutes.

This year, save the date for October 14th at 7:00 PM. New Orleans vs. the Houston Rockets at Legacy Arena. 

New Orleans Pelicans Players You Might Know: Zion Williamson (Duke/2019 1st pick), Jordon Poole (NBA Champion / Former Warrior).

Houston Rockets Players You Might Know: Kevin Durant (Just traded to Houston / Future Hall of Fame), Jabari Smith Jr. (Former Auburn Tiger and re-signed to a 5-year, $122 million extension. 

We are only 104 days until NBA tip-off in Birmingham. Make plans to be at Legacy Arena. 

Also keep in mind. The Birmingham Squadron’s 5th season starts in November. 19 call-ups in four seasons in Birmingham. G-League to the NBA.