BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama men’s basketball team will face Gonzaga in the second annual C.M. Newton Classic presented by Legacy Credit Union on Saturday, December 17, 2022. Alabama men’s basketball season ticket holders will have first access to tickets through the Season Ticket Renewal Process beginning July 11. Tickets for the public will go on sale later this fall.
The neutral-site game is the second edition of the C.M. Newton Classic presented by Legacy Credit Union. Last year, the Alabama men’s basketball team played Davidson. The C.M. Newton Classic name honors former Alabama men’s basketball head coach C.M. Newton. Newton was not only known for his coaching accolades but the impact he made on and off the court. Newton stood for courage and was the first coach to put forth an all-Black starting five and recruit players like Wendell Hudson.
“I am looking forward to playing in front of our fans in Birmingham for a second straight year in the C.M. Newton Classic,” said Alabama head coach Nate Oats. ”Coach Newton left a lasting legacy within our program so this a great way to honor what he meant to the University of Alabama, as well as to all of college basketball throughout his career. For a program such as Gonzaga, who is consistently one of the top programs in the nation each year, to come to the south and play us is going to be very exciting for our fans and our team. We can’t wait for what I expect to be another electric atmosphere in Legacy Arena.”
Gonzaga is a 2022 Sweet 16 team that made a strong run in this year’s men’s March Madness Tournament. The Tide beat Gonzaga in a pre-season game in 2022 in Seattle, and this year the matchup will come to Alabama.
“We are looking forward to making the trip to Birmingham and playing a high-caliber opponent in Alabama. We have the utmost respect for Coach Oats and his program. We’re also excited to play in an event that honors a hall of famer in C.M. Newton, a man that had tremendous integrity and influenced the game greatly,” said Mark Few, Gonzaga head coach.
While the contest will not be a part of the Alabama men’s basketball season ticket package, fans who have purchased season tickets for the 2022-23 campaign will receive priority seating to this year’s C.M. Newton Classic. New season ticket packages are expected to go on sale in September.
As a part of this year’s basketball game, Knight Eady, the game owner and operator, and Legacy Credit Union are launching the Legacy Builder campaign. The Legacy Builder campaign focuses on highlighting nonprofits in the Birmingham area who are building a legacy focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives, just as C.M. Newton did.
Local businesses can nominate Birmingham-area nonprofits for their work in diversity and inclusion as a part of the Legacy Builder campaign. Those who nominate an organization will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire about the organization and explain the positive work and influence they are making through their initiatives and programs.
The Legacy Builder application is now open and will close later this fall. Legacy Credit Union will announce the four organizations selected as Legacy Builders during the C.M. Newton Classic game. The Legacy Builder organizations will receive a $2,500 donation as they continue to build and foster legacies based on promoting diversity and inclusion in the Birmingham community.
“C.M. Newton paved the way for many Black athletes at the University of Alabama and across the country,” said Glenn Bryan, President and CEO of Legacy Credit Union. “The Legacy Builder campaign allows local Birmingham organizations that emphasize diversity and inclusion to be highlighted and recognized for the positive impact and influence they have in our community. We all should be inspired to craft a legacy like C.M. Newton did. He left the communities he served better and positively impacted the lives of so many.”
C.M. Newton stood for courage and making a difference on and off the court. Newton integrated the Alabama men’s basketball team and recruited the first Black athlete for the University of Alabama, Wendell Hudson. He cared for his players and their families and left a legacy that many try to emulate.
To nominate an organization to be a Legacy Builder, click here. To schedule an interview with a representative from Legacy Credit Union or Knight Eady about the Legacy Builder Campaign, the game, or for more information, please email stotts@knighteady.com. To join the email list to know the game time, when tickets are on sale to the public and be the first to know of other game-related news and updates, click here. Tickets and game times will be announced later this fall.
