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Ballin in Boutwell

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Ballin in Boutwell Returns to Birmingham

Oct 30, 2026

Ballin’ in Boutwell brought college basketball and community spirit back to downtown Birmingham October 12–15, as the historic Boutwell Auditorium once again became the backdrop for four days of competition, culture and connection. Presented by Nike and Hibbett, the event returned for its third year with its largest lineup yet, featuring five men’s and women’s college basketball matchups.

Beyond the action on the court, the week carried a deeper purpose. Hibbett and Nike surprised Woodlawn High School’s boys and girls basketball programs with a $50,000 investment through First String, continuing the event’s connection to Birmingham and the next generation of athletes.

 

Throughout the week, college programs, basketball fans and community partners gathered in the heart of the Magic City, creating an experience that extended well beyond the final score.

 

This year’s lineup featured Alabama A&M vs. Samford, Auburn vs. UCF, Auburn vs. Florida State, Alabama vs. UAH and Alabama vs. Ole Miss. With programs from across the region taking part, each matchup brought something different to the Boutwell court while giving athletes the opportunity to compete inside one of Birmingham’s historic venues.

Basketball culture extended beyond the court, too. Nike and Hibbett gave fans more ways to experience the week through exclusive merchandise, an interactive retail experience and on-site sneaker customization, connecting the game with the style and sneaker culture surrounding it.

 

But one of the week’s most meaningful moments focused on the athletes who could shape Birmingham basketball in the years ahead.

 

Through First String, a community initiative launched in 2024 to empower high school basketball athletes through team funding, scholarship opportunities and career development, Hibbett and Nike invested $50,000 in Woodlawn High School’s boys and girls basketball programs.

For Woodlawn’s student-athletes, the experience went beyond the investment. Players received Nike basketball gear, participated in a special shootaround on the Boutwell court and had the opportunity to experience college basketball firsthand.

 

The moment reflected what First String is designed to create: opportunities for young athletes to grow both on and off the court while providing resources that can make an impact beyond a single game.

Group holding a $50,000 First String donation check for the Woodlawn Athletics Department on a basketball court.
Alabama basketball player goes up for a layup during a game against Ole Miss.
Person in an Auburn T-shirt holds up apparel in front of a Nike sneaker display at Ballin’ in Boutwell.
Colorful Nike basketball sneakers displayed inside illuminated circular wall fixtures.
Crowd fills the stands during the Ballin’ in Boutwell basketball event.
Basketball player walks onto the court under colorful arena lights during Ballin’ in Boutwell.
Group holding a $50,000 First String donation check for the Woodlawn Athletics Department on a basketball court.
Alabama basketball player goes up for a layup during a game against Ole Miss.
Person in an Auburn T-shirt holds up apparel in front of a Nike sneaker display at Ballin’ in Boutwell.
Colorful Nike basketball sneakers displayed inside illuminated circular wall fixtures.
Crowd fills the stands during the Ballin’ in Boutwell basketball event.
Basketball player walks onto the court under colorful arena lights during Ballin’ in Boutwell.

As Ballin’ in Boutwell continues to grow, so does its impact. What began with basketball has become a celebration of the city around it, bringing college programs and fans together while creating new opportunities for Birmingham’s next generation of athletes.

For four days, Boutwell Auditorium once again showed how basketball can connect the past, present and future of the Magic City.

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