Ballin in Boutwell Returns With Five College Basketball Games

College basketball is returning to downtown Birmingham this October as Ballin in Boutwell prepares for its third edition with its largest lineup yet.

The 2026 Ballin in Boutwell, presented by Nike and Hibbett, will feature five preseason exhibition games over three days at Boutwell Auditorium, located at 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard in Birmingham.

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This year’s event will expand on the previous edition by featuring both men’s and women’s basketball and five in-state programs.

The action begins Tuesday, Oct. 13, when Alabama A&M men’s basketball takes on Samford at 7 p.m.

Wednesday’s schedule features two games. Auburn women’s basketball will face UCF at noon, followed by Auburn men’s basketball against Florida State at 7 p.m.

Alabama will take center stage Thursday, Oct. 15. The Crimson Tide women’s basketball team will play UAH at noon before Alabama men’s basketball faces Ole Miss at 7 p.m. to close out the three-day event.

Ballin in Boutwell is organized by Knight Eady and presented by Nike and Hibbett. Organizers say the event is designed to put fans close to the action while creating an immersive basketball experience throughout the historic Birmingham venue.

In addition to the games, fans will have an opportunity to shop exclusive merchandise through a Hibbett and Nike retail setup in the Boutwell Auditorium lobby.

The 2026 edition represents an expansion of Ballin in Boutwell, with five games spread across the week and a greater emphasis on showcasing college basketball programs from across Alabama.

The schedule also gives basketball fans an opportunity to see several programs before the start of regular-season competition, including the men’s and women’s teams from both Alabama and Auburn.

Media credential requests have also opened for the 2026 event.

Ballin in Boutwell begins Oct. 13 and continues through Oct. 15 at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham.