Alabama basketball will return to Boutwell Auditorium this fall as the Crimson Tide takes on Ole Miss in the annual Ballin in Boutwell preseason showcase.
Crimson Tide Set for Preseason Exhibition
The men’s exhibition game is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, at 7 p.m. inside Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham. The matchup will serve as Alabama’s final tune-up before the start of the 2026-27 regular season and will not count toward either team’s official record.
Head coach Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide are familiar with the venue. Alabama defeated Wake Forest during the 2024 exhibition before earning a 109-105 victory over Florida State at the 2025 Ballin in Boutwell event.
The game will also give fans an early look at Alabama’s revamped roster, which features several new freshmen and transfers ahead of the upcoming season.
Women’s Team and Other Schools Join the Event
Ballin in Boutwell will feature multiple college basketball programs over three days. Alabama’s women’s team, led by first-year head coach Pauline Love, will face UAH earlier on October 15. Auburn’s men’s and women’s teams, Alabama A&M, Samford, Central Florida, and Florida State will also participate.
2026 Ballin in Boutwell Schedule
Monday, October 13
7 p.m. — Alabama A&M vs. Samford (Men)
Tuesday, October 14
12 p.m. — Auburn vs. Central Florida (Women)
7 p.m. — Auburn vs. Florida State (Men)
Wednesday, October 15
12 p.m. — Alabama vs. UAH (Women)
7 p.m. — Alabama vs. Ole Miss (Men)
Alabama’s 2026-27 Schedule So Far
The Crimson Tide has already announced several non-conference games for the upcoming season.
Preseason
Oct. 15 — Ole Miss (Exhibition, Birmingham)
November
Nov. 6 — Sam Houston
Nov. 13 — Seton Hall
Nov. 17 — Kennesaw State
Nov. 24 — Baylor (Players Era Championships, Las Vegas)
Nov. 26 — Winner of Gonzaga/Kansas State
Nov. 27 — Winner of Michigan, Creighton, Miami, or TCU (if Alabama advances)
Nov. 28 — Players Era Championship (if Alabama advances)
December
Dec. 2 — at Miami (ACC/SEC Challenge)
Dec. 12 — St. John’s (Birmingham)
Dec. 16 — at South Florida
Dec. 21 — Iowa (Des Moines, Iowa)
TBD — Houston (Jimmy V Classic, New York City)
TBD — Samford
The annual Ballin in Boutwell event continues to bring major college basketball programs to downtown Birmingham while giving fans an early preview of the upcoming season.
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