Alabama Crimson Tide
Nate Oats
- Head coach since 2019
- Final Four, 2024
- SEC Coach of the Year
Alabama Crimson Tide versus St. John’s Red Storm
March Basketball in December
Sweet 16
Caliber
Alabama and St. John’s. Two tournament-tested programs, two of the sport’s biggest coaching names, and one early-season test that the whole country will be watching.
St. John’s Red Storm
Rick Pitino
- Head coach since 2023
- Naismith Hall of Fame
- Big East Champions, 2025
Bama in
Birmingham
There’s nothing like college basketball in the Magic City in December. Legacy Arena comes alive with packed stands, big-time energy, and Crimson Tide hoops lighting up the BJCC. The RxBenefits C.M. Newton Classic is where high-major college basketball meets a night the whole family will remember. From opening tip to final buzzer, there’s no better place to be.
From the Classic
Since 2016
Over the Years
Past Alabama Opponents in Legacy Arena
Relive the Action
1930 — 2018
Who was
C.M. Newton
C.M. Newton changed Alabama basketball—and the SEC.
As Alabama’s head coach from 1968 to 1980, he recruited Wendell Hudson as the university’s first Black scholarship athlete, started the first all-Black lineup in SEC history and led the Crimson Tide to three straight conference titles.
Newton later became Kentucky’s athletics director, hiring Rick Pitino—now St. John’s head coach—to restore the Wildcats to national prominence. Pitino remembers Newton as a mentor and friend.
As president of USA Basketball, Newton also helped usher in the Dream Team era. His leadership and courage ultimately earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Partner with the Classic
Sponsorship opportunities still available for 2026. For corporate hospitality, the Michelob Ultra Banner Club is the premium club experience at Legacy Arena.
Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Official Partners
Supporting Sponsors
Contributing Sponsors
Event Sponsors
