Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Local spots you can watch the big dance while your team is on the other side of the country
Some of us may disagree about who we will be rooting for this March but one thing that still seems to be bringing the state together. And that’s our attitude toward the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
If you’re a fan of a team from the state of Alabama, you likely aren’t very happy with where your team is being sent for the first round of the big dance. Auburn, UAB and Alabama will soon be on their way to Spokane, Washington while the Samford Bulldogs are off to Salt Lake City, Utah.
And while we all certainly wish those games were being played closer to home, several groups are trying to recreate the atmosphere of a home game with local watch parties across the state.
#13 Samford vs. #4 Kansas
The Bulldogs are back in the tournament for the first time since 2000. They will take on the Jayhawks in Utah with tipoff currently scheduled for 8:55 p.m. central time on TBS.
On Sunday, people filled up the street in Edgewood to watch Selection Sunday as the Bulldogs saw their name called in the field of 68. The team will not be at the watch parties this week but if Sunday’s crowd told us anything, it’s that Samford fans will show up.
#12 UAB at #5 San Diego State
The Blazers get an early tipoff Friday against last season’s National Runner-up. The Aztecs are sitting in the exact same spot in the bracket as they were last year when they made a run to the Final Four which included beating top overall seed Alabama.
UAB will be hoping to put a quick end to that run this year though as the Blazers search for their first tournament win since 2015. The game will air on TNT with tipoff slated for 12:45 p.m.
- Official team watch party at Bartow Arena
- Blazer Victory watch party at Cahaba Brewing
- Avondale Brewing Company
#13 Yale at #4 Auburn
Right after the UAB game ends in Spokane, Auburn will take the floor to get ready for its matchup with the Ivy League champs. The Tigers are 6-0 since the calendar turned to March and are hoping to ride the momentum from winning the SEC tournament.
Auburn’s game will tip off 30 minutes after the UAB game ends which is approximately scheduled for 3:15 p.m. There will be plenty of spots across the state for you to get out of the house and watch with some other Tiger fans.
- Greater Birmingham Auburn Club at Back Forty in Birmingham
- Avondale Brewing Company in Birmingham
- Rotolo’s Pizzeria in Fairhope
#13 Charleston vs. #4 Alabama
It may look like another lopsided matchup on paper but as we all know, March can bring madness. The Crimson Tide has not had the best month on the court but it still has its eyes on the program’s first ever Final Four run.
Alabama will get things started Friday night in Spokane. Tipoff is currently slated for 6:35 p.m. which will be the first game of the second session at the location, following UAB’s and Auburn’s games.
- Official watch party at Baumhower’s Sports Grille in Northport
- Avondale Brewing Company
#9 Florida State vs. #8 Alabama
In case you haven’t heard, it’s not just the men’s tournament that is getting started this week. Both Alabama and Auburn are in the women’s tournament too.
The Crimson Tide will get started Friday evening with a 4:30 p.m. tipoff against Florida State in Austin, Texas.
The Alabama program is hosting an official watch party at Baumhower’s Sports Grille in Northport.
Do you have your own setup to watch the tournament games this week? Post it on social media and tag us @TheBamaBuzz on Instagram or @Buzz_Bama on X!
