Alabama plays USF Wednesday before coming to Huntsville this weekend. Photo: Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images
The Rocket City Classic hits the Von Braun Center Sunday.
Why it matters: The annual game is bringing the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team to Huntsville to take on Kennesaw State, offering local fans a chance to catch a game without driving to Tuscaloosa.
It's also a "heads in beds" event that organizers like Joel Lamp, Sports development manager at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, expect to have a big impact on the city beyond the VBC.
Zoom in: Twelfth-ranked Alabama is currently 7-3 on the season, and will face South Florida Wednesday before heading to Huntsville.
Kennesaw State, just outside Atlanta, is ranked at the top of Conference USA. The Owls have a Wednesday matchup against Middle Tennessee, but are currently sitting on a 9-2 record.
What they're saying: Huntsville Sports Commission Executive Director Mark Russell said during a press conference earlier this year that the matchup last year brought in fans from eight states.
"It's going to bring fans from all over the region," Russell said. "Alabama's a big draw, there's a lot of people that can't get to Tuscaloosa to see them."
Catch up quick: For Kennesaw State, it's a chance to play against a top-tier team on the court where the Conference USA Championship will take place in March, Head Coach Antoine Pettway said during the press conference.
A former Alabama player, Pettway also played at Propst Arena as an NBA G League player, and recruited in the area as an assistant coach at Alabama.
Pettway is also bringing some local standouts back home for the game, including RJ Johnson, a Grissom High School grad, and Kaden Rickard, a Bob Jones alum.
The big picture: The game is at 1pm Sunday, with doors opening at noon. Grab tickets here for Huntsville's biggest basketball game of the season.
