Published on 19 August 2024
The Rocket City Classic, presented by Akima, returns in 2024 with a memorable clash that promises to sell out the VBC Propst Arena for the second year in a row.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle announced that Alabama, which just made its first appearance in the Final Four in program history, will face Memphis on Oct. 28 in an NCAA-sanctioned exhibition game to benefit the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.
“We are excited to welcome the Alabama basketball team back to Huntsville for a game at VBC Propst Arena,” said Battle. “After last year’s historic run to the Final Four, this is a tremendous opportunity for our community and provides a stage that will put our great city in the national spotlight with an outstanding matchup against a strong Memphis team led by NBA legend Penny Hardaway.”
The returning duo of Mark Sears and Grant Nelson lead Alabama. It will be a homecoming of sorts for Sears 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 look forward to partnering with Memphis for this momentous event in Huntsville,” said Alabama head coach Nate Oats. “This exhibition game is a chance to support the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and give back to those in need that goes beyond basketball. We look forward to seeing our fans in Huntsville and having the opportunity to play a quality program in Memphis.”
Akima returns as the event’s main sponsor, continuing its commitment to Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal. This year’s game will serve as an FBI honors night – with a focus on the new FBI headquarters in Huntsville and its growth plans 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 pleased that the community supports the event and recognizes and celebrates the growth of the FBI in Huntsville.”
Thanks to their partnership with the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, the game will serve as a fundraiser for their Heartbeat Heroes project, which provides increased access to defibrillators in parks, schools, recreational facilities and other community 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 of this event, Huntsville Hospital can continue to improve outcomes not only within our hospital, but also in the community,” said Sarah Savage-Jones, president of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. “The funds donated through the Rocket City Classic will help us strategically place more AEDs in the community where they are most needed, increasing the likelihood of timely intervention in cardiac emergencies and truly saving lives.”
The 2024 Rocket City Classic continues to make Huntsville a premier destination for college basketball and builds on the historic 2023-24 season that featured a men’s and women’s neutral-site game at Propst Arena and crowned Conference USA basketball champions.
“Bringing 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 an unforgettable experience for everyone who comes to this historic game.”
Tickets will be available for pre-sale through VBC channels beginning Thursday, August 22. The public sale begins at 10 a.m. on August 23. Prices start at $40, with fans able to choose from several price ranges for their experience.
“We’re expecting another sold-out crowd for this rare basketball matchup at the VBC 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 can make the Rocket City Classic one of the must-see events of the basketball season with an unprecedented matchup in Huntsville.”
It is also significant that this Rocket City Classic ball game takes place during the 50th anniversary of the Von Braun Center.
“The Rocket City Classic has been a great event since the beginning and this year’s game will raise the bar to a new level,” said Steve Maples, general manager of the von Braun Center. “VBC Propst Arena is a premier basketball venue and this year’s Classic will go down in the history books with this matchup.”
For more information about the event, visit the VBC website at FromBraunCenter.com or email Joel Lamp at [email protected], Samantha Nielsen (VBC) at [email protected], or Brooke Izzo Shaugnessy (HSC) at [email protected].
