Alabama Basketball to Face Memphis in Charity Exhibition Game in Huntsville

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2024-25 basketball season is shaping up to be an exciting one, and it’s about to get even more intriguing with a charity exhibition game added to the schedule. On Monday, October 28, Alabama will square off against the Memphis Tigers at Propst Arena in Huntsville, according to an announcement from the Von Braun Center. This event will serve as a prelude to Alabama's official season opener against UNC Asheville on November 4 at Coleman Coliseum.

Ticket presales will begin on Thursday through the Von Braun Center’s box office channels, with general ticket sales starting on Friday at 10 a.m. The game’s proceeds will support the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and its Caring House Children’s Grief Program. The funds raised will be used to equip schools across Madison County and surrounding areas with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

“We’re thrilled to team up with Memphis for this significant event in Huntsville,” Alabama coach Nate Oats said. “This exhibition game is an opportunity to support the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and make a difference in our community beyond the court. We can’t wait to see our fans in Huntsville and compete against a strong Memphis team.”

Last season’s Rocket City Classic saw Auburn secure a victory over UNC Asheville with a score of 87-62.

The matchup was officially announced by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and the Huntsville Sports Commission in a press conference on Monday afternoon.

“2024 has been an outstanding year for Huntsville and our sports tourism efforts,” said Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “We’re excited to add another high-profile event to our calendar that will highlight our city and offer a great experience for everyone involved. Partnering with the Huntsville Hospital Foundation is a chance to contribute to our community, and I’m proud to support this initiative.”

Alabama’s non-conference schedule also features games against Arkansas State, McNeese State, Purdue (away), Illinois (Birmingham), Houston (Las Vegas), Notre Dame/Rutgers (Las Vegas), UNC (away), Creighton, North Dakota (away), Kent State, and South Dakota State.

Though the Memphis game won’t count towards the official record, it provides another challenging opponent for Alabama. The Tigers have made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances but haven’t advanced past the first weekend since 2009.

Meanwhile, Alabama is coming off its first Final Four appearance in program history. Coach Nate Oats aims to build on that momentum with what promises to be one of the top teams in the nation.