Massive news for basketball fans in Birmingham.

Tickets are now on sale for “Ballin in Boutwell”, featuring Samford, Alabama A&M, Auburn, Oklahoma State, Alabama and Florida State in Boutwell Auditorium.

Last time Auburn played in Birmingham: December 21, 2024, Auburn 87–69 Purdue at Legacy Arena.

Last time Alabama played in Birmingham: Wednesday, November 20, 2024, when the Crimson Tide defeated #25 Illinois 100–87 at Legacy Arena.


Preseason basketball in Boutwell is quickly becoming a tradition. Last year, a crowd of 2,068 fans attended the Alabama vs. Wake Forest preseason game.

This year the event has been expanded to 4 games. 3 men’s and 1 Alabama Women’s game.

Basketball in Boutwell is art in the highest form.

Get in price for each game:

Alabama A&M vs. Samford: $24
Oklahoma State vs. Auburn: $70
Florida State vs. Alabama: $65

Tickets are going fast. Auburn is down to singles in the $70 price range. At the time of this article, Alabama has plenty of seats available at the $65 price point.

Tickets: ballininboutwell.com

One underrated matchup to watch this season comes on October 13, when Alabama A&M faces off against Samford.

It’ll be the first season at Samford for Coach Lennie Acuff, who arrives after leading Lipscomb to a March Madness appearance last season. Expect the Bulldogs to lean heavily on the three-point shot under his system.

On the other side, it’s also Year 1 for Coach Donte’ Jackson at Alabama A&M. Like Acuff, Jackson brings NCAA Tournament experience—his Grambling State squad made the Big Dance two seasons ago, falling to Purdue in the first round.

Make plans to attend a game in Boutwell in October.