Rocket City Classic Expected To Be A “Classic”: Alabama vs. Memphis

HUNTSVILLE- The 2024 Rocket City Classic, presented by Akima, is expected to be an easy sellout as two of the finest men’s basketball programs will collide in the arena of the Von Braun Center on Monday, Oct. 28. City and school officials made the announcement for the NCAA-approved exhibition game benefitting the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

“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.”

Thanks to the partnership with Huntsville Hospital Foundation, the game will serve as a fundraiser for their 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.”

It is also significant that this Rocket City Classic round ball 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.”

Alabama made the incredible run to the NCAA Final Four a season ago while Memphis has always been a top-notch contender in college basketball as the Tigers are led by NBA legend Penny Hardaway who played for the school in the early 90’s before playing in the NBA for 14 seasons where he was a four-time All-Star player.

For the Crimson Tide, 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.

Tickets will be available for presale through VBC channels on Thursday, August 22. They will go on sale to the public on Aug. 23 at 10:00 a.m. Prices start at $40; fans can choose from several price points for their experience.

For more information on the event, visit the VBC website at VonBraunCenter.com or email Joel Lamp at jlamp@huntsville.org, Samantha Nielsen (VBC) at sneilsen@vonbrauncenter.com, or Brooke Izzo Shaugnessy (HSC) at brooke.izzo@huntsvilleal.gov.

“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.”

“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.”