The Crimson Tide return for the second straight year to the Rocket City Classic for a regular season game, their first in Propst Arena since 2019.
Their matchup is against one of the favorites to contend in Conference USA, Kennesaw State, led by former Tide star and assistant coach Antoine Pettway.
“College basketball has never been bigger in the state and we’re excited to welcome Alabama and Kennesaw State back to Huntsville this year,” Battle said. “This event continues to grow each year and we look forward to celebrating all things Huntsville during the game.”
Alabama is coming off a 28-9 season which included a trip to the Elite Eight, just one game shy of a second trip to the Final Four. The Tide made the trip to Huntsville for a preseason matchup with Memphis, prevailing 96-88 in front of a sellout crowd.
“We are excited to return to Huntsville and face an exceptional program in Kennesaw State, led by Antoine Pettway who is synonymous with Alabama basketball,” said Alabama Head Coach Nate Oats. “The Rocket City Classic provides an amazing atmosphere and we are looking forward to playing in front of Tide fans at the Von Braun Center.”
In its second season under Pettway, Kennesaw State made major strides in its first year as a member of Conference USA.
The Owls put together a 19-14 record and advanced to the semifinals of the CUSA Championships in Huntsville before falling to a late rally by eventual champion Liberty.
KSU looks to return to the Rocket City in March and cut down the nets to book their trip to the NCAA Tournament.
“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to travel to Huntsville and play one of the best programs in the country in the University of Alabama,” said Head Coach Antoine Pettway. “It’s no secret how I feel about what Nate Oats and his staff have been able to accomplish since arriving in Tuscaloosa.
“We are grateful to the Rocket City Classic for inviting us and we look forward to competing against high level competition in front some amazing fans in the city of Huntsville.”
The game will highlight some of the unique elements of Huntsville, thanks to the partnership with Akima.
Home to the Army’s Redstone Arsenal, a swearing-in of new recruits will happen at halftime.
With the FBI’s growing presence on the Arsenal, the game also serves as FBI Appreciation Night to thank them for their service.
“We are excited to bring Alabama back and create a unique matchup with our partners at Conference USA to highlight one of their top programs in Kennesaw State,” said Joel Lamp, sports development manager for Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Thanks to our friends at Akima, we are able to make this an event that recognizes and honors those who enable our city to grow.”
The third edition of the Rocket City Classic builds off the sellouts of the past two years, which have featured Alabama and Auburn.
This year’s game deepens the ties with Conference USA, which will host their championship in March for the third straight year in Huntsville.
“With a strong basketball community, we welcome both teams to Huntsville and look forward to a great experience for everyone,” said Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “We encourage everyone to buy their tickets early as the game has sold out each of the last two years.”
Presale tickets for the game begin Monday at 10 a.m., with tickets on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
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