# Alabama and Auburn 2026 preseason sports updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/alabamaauburn-preseason-sports-2026
> Updated: 2026-08-13T21:03:06.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

In July 2026, the University of Alabama announced that its men’s and women’s basketball teams would play exhibition games at Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium on Oct. 14-15, facing SEC rivals Ole Miss, Florida State, UCF, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

By early August, Auburn’s football program began a 13-day preseason camp at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa. Head coach Alex Golesh stated the goal was to “eliminate every single bit of distraction we possibly can,” utilizing the isolated setting to build focus ahead of the Sept. 5 season opener.

Alabama’s women’s soccer team also progressed through its preseason. Following a 1-1 draw with LSU marked by a lightning delay, the team secured a 2-1 road victory against Saint Louis, with goals from Ashley Roni and a penalty kick by Larkin Thomason. Head coach Wes Hart described the initial LSU match as “a great way to kick off our season.”

Other Alabama Athletics updates include the upcoming Crimson Tide Invitational for volleyball on August 28-29 at Foster Auditorium, featuring Samford and UC Riverside. Meanwhile, the football team, led by head coach Kalen DeBoer, is preparing to host East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 5.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Alabama Athletics kicks off 2026-27 sports season

Alabama Athletics begins the 2026-27 season with a soccer victory over Saint Louis, upcoming volleyball tournaments, and preparations for the football season opener against East Carolina.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-athletics-kicks-off-2026-27-sports-season

### 2026-08-04: Auburn football starts preseason camp while Alabama soccer settles for a 1-1 draw with LSU

Auburn football begins a 13‑day distraction‑free preseason camp, while Alabama women's soccer draws 1‑1 with LSU in an exhibition match.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/auburn-football-starts-preseason-camp-while-alabama-soccer-settles-for-a-1-1-draw-with-lsu

### 2026-07-15: Alabama and Auburn Set Preseason Basketball Games at Birmingham's Boutwell Auditorium

Alabama hosts Ole Miss (men) and UAH (women) on Oct 15, while Auburn meets Florida State (men) and UCF (women) on Oct 14 at Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium in the preseason “Ballin’ in Boutwell” series.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-and-auburn-set-preseason-basketball-games-at-birminghams-boutwell-auditorium

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Cite as: Alabama and Auburn 2026 preseason sports updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/alabamaauburn-preseason-sports-2026