Back to honor the legendary Alabama basketball coach, the C.M. Newton Classic is officially returning for the 2025 season.
C.M. Newton‘s son, Martin, informed the Tuscaloosa News on Friday morning that the game, played annually in Birmingham, will be played once again after the Crimson Tide’s defeat of Illinois last November.
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Newton, who serves Samford University as Director of Athletics, said that Sweet 16 team Arizona will be Alabama‘s opponent, confirming CBS Insider Jon Rothstein’s report that the Crimson Tide would meet the Wildcats on Dec. 13, 2025 in a neutral site matchup.
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For the last two seasons, the C.M. Newton Classic was held at Legacy Arena at the BJCC.
Alabama’s 2025-26 non-conference schedule is due to include the continuation of a three-game series against North Dakota, in addition to a return to the Players Era Festival. Next season will also feature the second-leg of a two-game home-and-home series between Alabama and Purdue, which is set to take place in Coleman Coliseum.
C.M. Newton Classic confirmed to return for 2025 season: What to know for Alabama basketball
Nov 20, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Alabama guard Labaron Philon (0) scores at the rim with Illinois center Tomislav Ivisic (13) defending in the CM Newton Classic at Legacy Arena. Alabama defeated Illinois 100-87. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
The C.M. Newton Classic aims to give back to nonprofits in the Birmingham area who are making strides with diversity and inclusion initiatives, just as Newton did during not just at the helm of Alabama, but as an administrator at Kentucky. At the event organizations local to Birmingham are highlighted by the Legacy Builder campaign, which includes a $2,500 donation and a video-spot to be shared during the game.
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More information on how to purchase tickets for the event will be announced at a later time, and the C.M. Newton Classic website offers a form for folks who want to be first to know.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama basketball to play Arizona in Birmingham in CM Newton Classic in December
