College basketball is back as two potential March Madness teams, Samford and Alabama A&M, tip off tonight at the historic Boutwell Auditorium.

Oct. 13 – Samford vs. Alabama A&M – 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 – Auburn vs. Oklahoma State – 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 – Alabama WBB vs. Florida State – 12 p.m.

Oct. 16 – Alabama vs. Florida State – 7 p.m.

For the second straight year, preseason basketball will take the court at the historic Boutwell Auditorium, a Birmingham landmark since 1924 that has hosted legends like Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, The Jackson Five, The Eagles and Roy Wood Jr.

Last October, Boutwell hosted its first major college basketball game in decades, with Alabama defeating Wake Forest in front of 2,068 fans. The Demon Deacons bombed much like Roy Wood Jr. in 2003, falling to the Tide 98–77. The atmosphere proved there’s still plenty of magic in the old building, and this year’s lineup aims to build on that energy. Watching March Madness–caliber teams compete in a venue that feels more like a high school gym is electric — and something every fan should experience.

Samford will face Alabama A&M on Monday, October 13, in what should be one of the more intriguing early-season matchups in the state.

This game marks the debut of two new head coaches. Samford’s Lennie Acuff arrives after an impressive run at Lipscomb, where he led the Bisons to three straight 20-win seasons and a March Madness appearance last year. Known for his up-tempo, high-scoring style, Acuff’s teams consistently rank among the nation’s best in assists and field goal percentage.

Before that, Acuff spent 22 seasons at Alabama Huntsville, building the program into a Division II powerhouse with a 437–214 record. Now in his 36th season as a head coach, he is the most experienced coach in the Ballin in Boutwell event, with six more seasons than Auburn’s Bruce Pearl. Fans can expect him to bring the same fun, fast-paced, and entertaining style of basketball to Homewood. He understands that past success won’t automatically carry over into a new era, saying at his opening press conference, “I also know that sailboats don’t sail behind yesterday’s winds. We gotta row.” Expect Coach Acuff to have his team ready.

On the other side, Alabama A&M introduces Donte’ Jackson, a 15-season head coach and three-time SWAC Coach of the Year. Jackson spent seven seasons at Grambling State, guiding the Tigers to their first SWAC Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024. Coach Jackson will have a revitalized A&M team this season.

Two proven winners with March Madness experience will go head-to-head at Boutwell.

Watch two potential Cinderella teams face off tonight in Birmingham.

Tickets: Ballin In Boutwell