The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Vanderbilt (Exh.)
UAB Men’s Basketball Preview: Vanderbilt (Exhibition)
10/22/2025 2:15:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB men's basketball team will take the court for the first time in the 2025-26 season when it hosts Vanderbilt in an exhibition matchup on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. inside Bartow Arena.
The contest marks the first opportunity for fans to get a glimpse of this year's Blazers under head coach Andy Kennedy, who enters his sixth season leading his alma mater. UAB won 24 games last season including a deep postseason run in the NIT and to the American conference championship. The Blazers added 12 players to the roster including seven Division I and three JUCO transfers along with three freshmen.
The Blazers will look to establish early chemistry and build momentum before beginning the regular season in early November. Wednesday's matchup also provides a test against SEC competition, as Vanderbilt travels to Birmingham with a new-look roster and coaching staff.
Vanderbilt is an NCAA Tournament team from a year ago, going 20-13 (8-10 SEC). The Commodores ended the year with a three-point loss against No. 7 seeded Saint Mary's.
Gameday Information
Tipoff: Thursday, Oct. 23 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Bartow Arena – Birmingham, Ala.
Tune in: Listen to the radio broadcast on WJQX 100.5 - Jox 2 or using the Varsity Sports App here.
Neither exhibition game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Exhibition Game Parking
Individual game parking for both exhibitions will be available on site for $10 (credit card only upon entry) in traditional gameday parking lots.
Clear Bag Policy
UAB Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy at Bartow Arena. Click here for more information.
Tickets and Concessions Information
Individual game tickets for the 2025-26 season, including the exhibition games, are on sale here. The UAB Athletics Ticket Office along with concession stands inside of Bartow Arena will be cashless with debit and credit cards only.
UAB Students get in FREE to all basketball games with a valid OneCard. Show your OneCard at the main entrance of Bartow Arena for free admission to all home games.
Hospitality Rooms
Hospitality rooms will be open for both the Vanderbilt and WKU men's basketball exhibition games. The Green & Gold Room will provide snacks and beverages, along with access to the cash bar. The Champion Club will also be open to Blazer Boosters members who qualify during the exhibition games. A meal will be served, along with access to the bar.
PURCHASE YOUR 2025-26 SEASON TICKETS
Season ticket packages for the 2025-26 UAB men's basketball season are still on sale. Season ticket packages include all regular season home games and provide the most cost-effective way for fans to attend games at Bartow Arena. Fans may purchase new season tickets or request additional information on season ticket options here. For more information, call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.
Additionally, the UAB Department of Athletics recently unveiled season ticket pricing and allocation details to provide Blazer fans and the Birmingham community with the best opportunity to build their priority leading into the newly renovated Bartow Arena in advance of the 2026-27 season.
GROUP RATES AND FAN EXPERIENCE PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE
Individual and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience during any of UAB's home events at Bartow Arena this season by filling out the UAB Group Ticket Request Form. Fan experience packages and discounted group tickets are available for a minimum purchase of 15 tickets, and fan experiences at Bartow Arena are available at any home basketball game on a first come, first served basis throughout the season.
Discounted group rates are available for both men's and women's basketball games and pricing is based on the size of the pre-purchased group. This season, UAB Athletics will offer unique fan experiences for groups including a spirit tunnel, sideline warm-up watch, group photo at center court, post-game free throws, and videoboard recognition, among others. Click here for a complete listing of the group rates, group benefits, and fan experience packages offered.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, be sure to follow @UAB_MBB on X and Instagram.
