WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker advocating for future NCAA championship events to be held in Birmingham. Specifically, Coach Tuberville and Sen. Britt advocate for Alabama to host the Men’s March Madness 1st and 2nd rounds, the Women’s March Madness Regional Tournament, and the Women’s Gymnastics National Championship.
“The State of Alabama has a long legacy of supporting intercollegiate athletics, and the recent success of both March Madness in 2023 and the 2022 World Games further highlights the passion of Alabamians for athletic competitions and the comprehensive synergies that ensure athletic events are conducted safely and successfully,” the senators said. “Our great State, the City of Birmingham, and the surrounding communities make the perfect host for these high-level events.”
Read the full letter here.
BACKGROUND:
From 1982 through 2008, Birmingham was a stop on the road to the Final Four 11 times, 10 for men’s basketball and once for women’s basketball.
After a nearly 15-year hiatus, Birmingham hosted the first and second-round games of March Madness in 2023. It was a huge success with every game being sold out and both Auburn and Alabama playing in the tournament. The city also hosted the 2022 World Games. The City of Birmingham recently completed a $125 million renovation of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center.
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