Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and U.S. Senator Katie Britt have written a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker, advocating for future NCAA championship events to be held in Birmingham, Alabama. They specifically mention the Men's March Madness 1st and 2nd rounds, the Women's March Madness Regional Tournament, and the Women's Gymnastics National Championship as events they would like to see hosted in the city.

In the letter, Tuberville and Britt highlight Alabama's long legacy of supporting intercollegiate athletics and the recent success of both March Madness in 2023 and the 2022 World Games, which were held in Birmingham. They describe the passion of Alabamians for athletic competitions and the comprehensive synergies that ensure these events are conducted safely and successfully.

"Our great State, the City of Birmingham, and the surrounding communities make the perfect host for these high-level events," the senators state in the letter.

Birmingham has a history of hosting NCAA championship events. From 1982 through 2008, the city 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 had the opportunity to host the first and second-round games of March Madness in 2023. The event was a huge success, with every game being sold out and both Auburn and Alabama participating in the tournament. The city also hosted the 2022 World Games.

The City of Birmingham has recently completed a $125 million renovation of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, further enhancing its ability to host large-scale sporting events.

The letter from Tuberville and Britt can be read in full [here](link to the letter).

Birmingham's strong history of supporting intercollegiate athletics, along with its recent successful hosting of major sporting events, makes it a compelling choice for future NCAA championship events. With the support of Tuberville, Britt, and the City of Birmingham, it is hoped that the NCAA will seriously consider bringing these prestigious events to Alabama's largest city.