BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The number one ranked University of Alabama men’s basketball team, will take the court against Power 5 opponent Wake Forest, in the inaugural Bama in Boutwell exhibition game presented by Nike and Hibbett. This exclusive event will take place in the historic Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama on Friday, October 18.
“On behalf of the City of Birmingham, we’re thrilled to host this exclusive exhibition game in Boutwell Auditorium,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin, City of Birmingham Mayor. “It's been over 45 years since basketball was played in Boutwell Auditorium. As a college basketball city, the Bama in Boutwell game gives our community the opportunity to experience premium college basketball. Knight Eady and other partners like the Southeastern Conference, have helped put Birmingham on the map for college basketball events. Last year, we saw sellout crowds at the Men’s March Madness First and Second Rounds; and this year, fans can see two other college regular season basketball events in Legacy Arena, Bama in Boutwell and the Women’s Regional Rounds of the March Madness Tournament in Legacy Arena. We’re grateful to have Hibbett, who has called Birmingham home for 79 years, in partnership with NIke, bring such an exciting experience to the Magic City.” said Mayor Woodfin.
Aside from the exciting match up, this event will be a fan-focused event with every seat offering a perfect view of the action.
“There was no question we wanted to be a part of this game,” said Jared Briskin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hibbett. “Birmingham is our hometown and community, this game is a perfect opportunity to invest in the community and celebrate basketball in Birmingham alongside Nike. On October 18, Hibbett will celebrate the first anniversary of our Nike Connected partnership and this is an incredible way to continue to invest in our loyalty, not only to our customers, but also to Birmingham.”