Alabama and Auburn’s men’s basketball teams will meet in an unprecedented preseason exhibition on October 22, 2023, at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The contest, dubbed ‘The Feud’, marks the first time the Crimson Tide and the Tigers have faced off in a preseason setting in many years.
A Rivalry Reimagined
The arena will be split into two sections, with Auburn supporters seated on one side and Alabama fans on the other, creating a unique atmosphere that mirrors the intensity of the traditional rivalry. Ticket sales will begin with a pre‑sale for each school’s athletic department from August 27 through August 31, after which general public tickets will be released on September 1.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats described the matchup as a chance to showcase the state’s basketball culture and to give both squads valuable practice before the regular season begins.
Auburn’s coaching staff echoed the sentiment, noting that the game provides a rare opportunity to fine‑tune strategies and to present the storied rivalry to a national audience.
Shipt, a Birmingham‑based technology company, is sponsoring the event, underscoring the role of local businesses in elevating college sports on a broader stage.
The exhibition has already drawn attention beyond the state, with national media outlets highlighting the unusual scheduling and the fan‑division format as a fresh take on a classic rivalry.