Iowa Hawkeyes to Battle Alabama in Des Moines Showdown
The Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team has secured a marquee neutral-site series against the Alabama Crimson Tide. The first matchup is scheduled for Dec. 21 at the Casey's Center in Des Moines, bringing elite, postseason-level competition right to Iowa's capital city.
What does the Alabama series mean for Iowa basketball?
Head coach Ben McCollum is not shying away from top competition. After a surprising 24-13 run to the Elite Eight last season, the Hawkeyes are leaning into a rigorous nonconference schedule. The two-year series with Alabama kicks off in Des Moines before shifting south to Mobile, Alabama, for the 2027-28 season.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats has built a reputation for scheduling relentlessly difficult nonconference opponents. Instead of padding their win total with easy games, the Crimson Tide tests their roster early to prepare for the SEC schedule and the NCAA Tournament. That approach has paid off, as Alabama has become a consistent national contender under Oats.
How does this matchup impact Des Moines and the local economy?
Bringing a national powerhouse like Alabama to the Casey's Center is a major win for the Des Moines economy. Premier sporting events drive tourism, fill hotel rooms, and support local restaurants and businesses. When elite programs visit the state capital, it puts Iowa on the map as a destination for top-tier college athletics.
What is the history between the Hawkeyes and the Crimson Tide?
The programs have only met twice, both times in the Paradise Jam tournament in the Virgin Islands. Alabama took the first meeting 72-60 in 2006 and went on to win the tournament championship. Iowa answered back with a 55-47 victory in 2010. The upcoming series will renew a rivalry that has been dormant for over a decade.
How does Alabama's schedule shape up for the 2026-27 season?
Alabama continues to build one of the toughest schedules in the nation. Along with their trip to Des Moines, the Crimson Tide will face Baylor in the Players Era Championships in Las Vegas. Depending on tournament results, they could also play Gonzaga, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Louisville, Maryland, Iowa State, or Oregon.
The Tide will also travel to Miami for the ACC/SEC Challenge, play St. John's in Birmingham, and take on Houston in the Jimmy V Classic. A return trip to South Florida is also expected to be finalized soon.
Why does scheduling matter for postseason success?
Playing a rigorous schedule pays off in March. Under Oats, Alabama has become a consistent national contender because they refuse to take the easy road. By the time conference play starts, teams that schedule tough are battle-tested and ready for the physical grind of the postseason. McCollum appears to be adopting a similar philosophy for the Hawkeyes, proving that hard work and accountability prepare a team for the ultimate stage.
When and where will Iowa play Alabama?
The Iowa Hawkeyes will play the Alabama Crimson Tide on Dec. 21 at the Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Where is the return game for the Iowa-Alabama series?
The second game of the two-year series will take place in Mobile, Alabama, during the 2027-28 college basketball season.
How did Iowa perform last season?
The Iowa Hawkeyes went 24-13 and made an unexpected run to the Elite Eight under head coach Ben McCollum, knocking off several highly regarded teams along the way.