Rocket City Classic Brings Top-Tier College Basketball to Huntsville

By Abigail Harrison, DHI Communications Coordinator

The Rocket City Classic is set to return to Propst Arena on Monday, October 28, bringing Alabama men’s basketball back to Huntsville for a highly anticipated matchup against the Memphis Tigers. The exhibition game is part of an NCAA-approved event that will benefit the Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s Heartbeat Heroes project.

Alabama, coming off its first-ever Final Four appearance, is entering the season ranked No. 2 in the country. The matchup against Memphis, a team with its own high expectations for the NCAA Tournament, promises to deliver a thrilling start to the college basketball season.

The event, presented by Akima, continues the company’s long-standing commitment to Huntsville and its support of operations at Redstone Arsenal. This year, the Classic also doubles as an FBI Appreciation Night, shining a spotlight on the growth of the FBI’s new headquarters in Huntsville.

In addition to the exciting basketball action, the Rocket City Classic serves a greater purpose. The game will support the Heartbeat Heroes project, an initiative by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation aimed at increasing access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in community spaces like parks, schools, and recreation centers.

Joel Lamp, Sports Development Manager for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, expressed his excitement for the event.

“To have the No. 2 ranked team in the country here to start their season is a special opportunity, and we look forward to the VBC being packed on Monday night for a great matchup between two teams that expect to make a run in the NCAA Tournament.”

The Rocket City Classic continues to build on Huntsville’s growing reputation as a premium destination for college basketball. Following a historic 2023-24 season that saw both neutral-site men’s and women’s games at Propst Arena and Conference USA’s basketball championships, the event further solidifies the city’s standing in the college sports landscape.

Fans are encouraged to get their tickets soon, as the event is expected to draw a large crowd. Tickets are available at the VBC Box Office or through Ticketmaster. Doors will open at 5 PM, with tip-off scheduled for 7 PM.