Alabama's U.S. Senators want to see the NCAA hold championship events in Birmingham again after hosting a successful 2023 Men's March Madness first and second rounds.
In a letter sent to NCAA president Charlie Baker, U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) call for the NCAA to hold the Men's March Madness first and second rounds, the Women's March Madness Regional Tournament and the Women's Gymnastics National Championship in Birmingham.
Per a release from Tuberville's office, "Birmingham was a stop on the road to the Final Four 11 times, 10 for men’s basketball and once for women’s basketball" from 1982-2008. The letter also cites the city's hosting of the 2022 World Games and the $125 million renovation of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center.
Both Auburn and Alabama were able to stay instate to play in the first two rounds of last year's March Madness Tournament.
The two senators tell Baker that Birmingham makes "the perfect host" for future championship events.
“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 write. “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.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email trent.baker@1819news.com.
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