Huntsville, Alabama, August 15, 2025
News Summary
The Alabama Crimson Tide will take on Kennesaw State in the Rocket City Classic at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. This game marks Alabama’s second consecutive appearance in the event, following their successful run last year. The matchup features Kennesaw State’s Antoine Pettway, a former Alabama player, adding excitement to the rivalry. Ticket presales begin soon, with halftime events planned to enhance the gameday experience.
Huntsville, Alabama – The Alabama Crimson Tide will face off against Kennesaw State in the 2025 Rocket City Classic, set for December 21. This highly anticipated basketball matchup will take place at the Von Braun Center Propst Arena in Huntsville, a venue that continues to gain prominence in the college sports scene. The announcement was made by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the event.
This game marks Alabama’s second consecutive appearance at the Rocket City Classic, following last year’s exhibition contest against Memphis. The Crimson Tide, coming off a successful season with an impressive 28-9 record, advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. This year’s matchup will be particularly notable as Kennesaw State is led by Antoine Pettway, a former Alabama player and assistant coach, which adds a unique element to the competition.
Mayor Tommy Battle expressed his enthusiasm, stating that college basketball’s popularity has never been greater in the state, highlighting the significance of hosting this game. Kennesaw State concluded the previous season with a 19-14 record, making it to the semifinals of the Conference USA Championships, showcasing their competitive capabilities.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats shared his positive outlook regarding the matchup, noting the importance of Pettway’s ties to Alabama basketball. Pettway, thrilled at the opportunity to face his former team, has ample reason to believe the game will be a competitive showcase.
Additionally, the event is set to include a swearing-in ceremony for new recruits during halftime, enhancing its excitement for fans. The game will also celebrate “FBI Appreciation Night,” further strengthening the community connection. Joel Lamp from the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau emphasized the significance of this unique matchup, while Mark Russell from the Huntsville Sports Commission noted the robust basketball culture in Huntsville, citing that previous Rocket City Classics had sold out quickly.
Fans interested in attending this event can access presale tickets beginning on Monday, August 18, at 10 a.m., with general public sales starting the following day, Tuesday, August 19, at 10 a.m.
Key Details of the 2025 Rocket City Classic
- Date: December 21, 2025
- Teams: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Kennesaw State
- Location: Von Braun Center Propst Arena, Huntsville, AL
- Alabama’s Previous Season Record: 28-9
- Kennesaw State’s Previous Season Record: 19-14
- Halftime Events: New recruits swearing-in, “FBI Appreciation Night”
- Ticket Sales Start: Presale on August 18 at 10 a.m., general sales on August 19 at 10 a.m.
Background Context
The Rocket City Classic has become a notable event in the Alabama college basketball calendar, drawing attention for its competitive fixtures and its role in promoting basketball culture within the state. Huntsville has emerged as a significant venue for college basketball, with local leaders recognizing the increasing popularity of the sport among fans. Last year’s event demonstrated the community’s support for college basketball, which is set to continue with the matchup between Alabama and Kennesaw State in 2025.
FAQ
- What is the Rocket City Classic?
The Rocket City Classic is a college basketball event featuring major matchups. In 2025, Alabama will play against Kennesaw State. - When will the game take place?
The game is scheduled for December 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM. - Where is the game held?
The game will take place at Von Braun Center Propst Arena in Huntsville, Alabama. - Who are the competing teams?
The game will feature the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Kennesaw State Owls. - When can I buy tickets?
Presale tickets will be available starting on August 18, 2025, at 10 a.m., and general sales will begin on August 19 at 10 a.m.
Key Features of the Rocket City Classic
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | December 21, 2025 |
| Teams | Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Kennesaw State Owls |
| Location | Von Braun Center Propst Arena, Huntsville, AL |
| Alabama Record | 28-9 |
| Kennesaw State Record | 19-14 |
| Special Events | Halftime swearing-in of new recruits, “FBI Appreciation Night” |
| Ticket Sales Start | Presale: August 18, General: August 19 |
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Additional Resources
- WAAYTV
- WHNT
- Rocket City Now
- Rocket City Mom
- FloSoftball
- Wikipedia: College Basketball
- Google Search: Rocket City Classic
- Google Scholar: Rocket City Classic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
- Google News: Rocket City Classic
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
