Tuscaloosa To Host HBCU Athletic Conference Basketball Championships In '25 & '26

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Conference officials announced Thursday that Visit Tuscaloosa and Stillman College have been selected to host the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Hope Credit Union Men's and Women's Basketball Championships for 2025 and 2026.

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The HBCUAC tournaments will take place at Birthright Alumni Hall on the campus of Stillman College from Feb. 25, 2025, to March 2, 2025, and from Feb. 24, 2026, to March 1, 2026.

“We are committed to offering an outstanding experience for all participants and spectators,” Stillman College’s Director of Athletics Terrance Whittle said. “We invite the Tuscaloosa community and West Alabama to join us at Birthright Alumni Hall for a full week of competitive basketball.”

The event will span six days, featuring 24 games involving 13 schools.

HBCUAC Commissioner Kiki Baker Barnes praised the partnership between Visit Tuscaloosa and Stillman College, highlighting their role in enhancing the championship experience.

“Strategic partnerships like the one with Visit Tuscaloosa are critical to enhancing our brand,” Barnes said. “Having Stillman as the venue brings more awareness to the place ‘Where Winners Thrive.’”

Officials expect the tournament to generate nearly $1 million in economic impact, building on the success of the 2024 tournament, which generated approximately $750,000.

The addition of three new schools to the conference is anticipated to further boost the event's significance.

President & CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa Kelsey Rush also expressed excitement about continuing the collaboration.

“This championship aligns with our desire to showcase our dynamic community while bringing economic benefits,” Rush said.

Visit Tuscaloosa says it is coordinating with Stillman College and other local partners but also encouraged community members interested in volunteering or businesses looking to support can contact Visit Tuscaloosa at (205) 391-9200 or via email at info@visittuscaloosa.com.

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