A Rare Reunion of Rivals in Birmingham
On Thursday, October 22, the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers will step onto the hardwood of Legacy Arena in Birmingham, bringing a piece of college basketball history back to the city where the two programs last met in a preseason setting. The game, set for a 7 p.m. tip‑off, is purely exhibitionary and will not affect either team’s regular‑season record, but it promises a electric atmosphere for fans eager to see the Iron Bowl rivalry on display outside its traditional football context.
Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, located at 1898 9th Ave N, will host the contest, offering a modern venue that still captures the spirit of Alabama’s sports culture. The matchup provides a unique opportunity for younger fans to experience a rivalry that has defined the state’s athletic narrative for generations.
Echoes of 1985
The last time the rivalry unfolded in Birmingham was on March 9, 1985, when Auburn edged Alabama 53‑49 in overtime, a game that remains a touchstone for longtime supporters. That victory added a layer of nostalgia to the upcoming exhibition, reminding observers that the city has been a occasional stage for the teams’ clashes over the decades.
A Decade of Balance
In the past ten years, regular‑season meetings between Alabama and Auburn have been split evenly, with each program claiming an equal share of wins. Alabama’s slight edge stems from a 2018 SEC Tournament victory that underscored the competitive parity and kept the rivalry’s narrative fresh heading into new matchups.
Partnerships That Make It Happen
The exhibition is made possible through a collaboration between the University of Alabama Athletics, Auburn University Athletics, and Legacy Arena at BJCC, all of which have official websites — alabama.com, auburn.edu, and bjcc.org — to promote the event. Their combined efforts bring together the resources and expertise needed to stage a high‑profile preseason game in the heart of Alabama.