HUNTSVILLE – The Rocket City Classic returns in 2024 with a matchup that is expected to sell out the VBC Propst Arena for a second straight year.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle announced on Monday that Alabama, coming off its first Final Four trip in program history, will face Memphis on October 28th in an NCAA-approved exhibition game benefitting the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.
“We are excited to welcome the Alabama basketball team back to Huntsville for a game at VBC Propst Arena,” Battle said. “After making a historic run to the Final Four last year, this is a tremendous opportunity for our community and provides a showcase that will bring the national spotlight on our great city with a stellar matchup against a strong Memphis team led by NBA legend Penny Hardaway.”
The returning duo of Mark Sears and Grant Nelson leads Alabama. For Sears, it will be a homecoming of sorts for the Muscle Shoals native after a sensational season in which he averaged 21.5 points per game, including a season-high 35 against Purdue. Nelson became a fan favorite after transferring from North Dakota State, averaging 11.9 points and 5.9 rebounds on the Final Four team.
“We are excited and looking forward to partnering with Memphis for this meaningful event in Huntsville,” Alabama head coach Nate Oats said. “This exhibition game is a chance to benefit the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and give back to people in need, which goes beyond basketball. We look forward to seeing our fans in Huntsville and the opportunity to play a quality program in Memphis.”
Akima returns as the presenting sponsor of the event, continuing their commitment to Huntsville and their support of the operations at Redstone Arsenal. This year’s game will serve as an FBI appreciation night – highlighting the new FBI headquarters in Huntsville and its plan for growth through the end of the decade.
“On behalf of our team at Akima, it is a privilege to partner with the city again on the Rocket City Classic,” said Bill Monet, President and CEO of Akima. “We are excited to see the community come out in support of the event and recognize as well as honor the FBI’s growth in Huntsville.”
The game will serve as a fundraiser for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s Heartbeat Heroes project, which provides increased access to AEDs in parks, schools, recreational facilities, and other community gathering areas. They will also serve as the charitable beneficiary of the event to meet NCAA guidelines for exhibition games between Division I schools.
“Thanks to Alabama and Memphis for their support through this event; Huntsville Hospital will be able to further improve outcomes, not just within our hospital walls, but out in the community,” said Sarah Savage-Jones, Huntsville Hospital Foundation President. “Funds donated through the Rocket City Classic will help us strategically place more community AEDs in areas they are needed most, increasing the likelihood of timely intervention during cardiac emergencies and truly saving lives.”
The 2024 Rocket City Classic continues to promote Huntsville as a premium college basketball destination, building on the historic 2023-24 season that saw a neutral-site men’s and women’s game in Propst Arena and Conference USA crowning its men’s and women’s basketball champions.
“For us to bring Alabama back to the Rocket City Classic after its run to the Final Four is exciting for everyone in our community,” said Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “We look forward to providing a memorable experience for everyone who comes out for this historic game.”
Ticket will be available for presale through VBC channels on Thursday, August 22nd. They will go on sale to the public on Aug. 23rd at 10 a.m. Prices start at $40; fans can choose from several price points for their experience.
“We expect another sellout at the VBC for this rare hoops clash and encourage everyone to get their tickets early,” said Joel Lamp, sports development manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Thanks to our friends at Akima, we’re able to continue building the Rocket City Classic into one of the must-see events of the basketball season with a matchup never before seen in Huntsville.”
It is also significant that this Rocket City Classic roundball affair will take place during the Von Braun Center’s 50th anniversary.
“The Rocket City Classic has been a great event from the start, and this year’s game will raise the bar to a new level,” said Steve Maples, executive director of the von Braun Center. “The VBC Propst Arena is a first-rate venue for basketball, and this year’s Classic is going to be one for the history books with this pairing.”
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