Iowa Basketball Faces Alabama in Des Moines Showdown
By John Damon
The Iowa Hawkeyes will face the Alabama Crimson Tide in a two-year neutral-site men's basketball series, starting Dec. 21 at the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The matchup brings an SEC powerhouse to central Iowa, giving head coach Ben McCollum's rising program a premier nonconference test following last season's Elite Eight run.
What to Know About the Iowa-Alabama Series
According to multiple reports, the Hawkeyes and Crimson Tide have agreed to a two-year deal. The first game takes place on Dec. 21 at the Casey's Center in Des Moines. The series will then shift south for a return game in Mobile, Alabama, during the 2027-28 season.
The two programs have rarely crossed paths. They have met only twice before, with both games taking place in the Paradise Jam tournament in the Virgin Islands. Alabama won the first meeting 72-60 in 2006. Iowa answered with a 55-47 victory in 2010.
Why is Alabama Scheduling Iowa?
Alabama head coach Nate Oats has built a reputation for refusing to schedule easy wins. Instead of padding their record before SEC play, the Crimson Tide actively seek out elite competition to prepare for the NCAA Tournament.
That approach has clearly paid off. Alabama has become a consistent national contender under Oats, making deep tournament runs while earning respect as one of the sport's most aggressive scheduling programs. The addition of Iowa only strengthens an already loaded nonconference slate for the Tide.
Alabama is scheduled to face Baylor in the Players Era Championships in Las Vegas. They also have potential matchups against Gonzaga, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Louisville, Maryland, Iowa State, and Oregon. The Tide will travel to Miami for the ACC/SEC Challenge, face St. John's in Birmingham, and take on Houston in the Jimmy V Classic.
What Does This Mean for Iowa Basketball?
Iowa exceeded expectations last season under head coach Ben McCollum, putting together a 24-13 record and making a surprising run to the Elite Eight. The Hawkeyes knocked off several highly regarded teams during their tournament journey and established themselves as one of the biggest success stories of the season.
Playing a program like Alabama gives McCollum's squad a chance to prove their postseason run wasn't a fluke. It also provides the kind of resume-building opportunity that matters on Selection Sunday. For Iowa fans, it's a clear sign the program isn't backing down from a challenge.
Local Economic Impact for Des Moines
Bringing a brand-name SEC program to the capital city is a major win for Des Moines. Events like this draw thousands of fans to the Casey's Center, filling local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. It highlights the strength of Iowa's sports tourism market and keeps major dollars circulating within the state.
When Will Iowa Play Alabama in Des Moines?
The first game of the two-year series is scheduled for Dec. 21 at the Casey's Center in Des Moines.
Where Will the Return Game Be Played?
The second game of the series will take place in Mobile, Alabama, during the 2027-28 college basketball season.