Details set for 2026 Rocket City Classic between Auburn, Middle Tennessee
This will be Auburn’s first trip to Huntsville since Dec. 13, 2023, when the Tigers beat UNC Asheville 87-62 at the Von Braun Center.
Olivia Bennett 
Auburn men’s basketball is making a return to the Rocket City. It was officially announced on Wednesday in Huntsville that the Tigers will square off against Middle Tennessee State on Tuesday, Dec. 15, in the annual Rocket City Classic.
Setting the Stage at the VBC
The marquee matchup is set to take place at Propst Arena within the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville. This return to the area marks Auburn’s first appearance in Huntsville since Dec. 13, 2023, when the Tigers cruised to an 87-62 victory over UNC Asheville at the same venue. For context on last year's event, Alabama beat Kennesaw State 92-81 in the 2025 Rocket City Classic.
Event Sponsorship
The Rocket City Classic is presented by Akima, a government contractor offering aerospace, public safety, and construction services. Akima’s local subsidiary, Pinnacle Solutions, made headlines recently when it was awarded a $369 million contract with the U.S. Air Force in November.
Player Watch and Matchup History
The contest serves as a homecoming for Auburn’s own Simon Walker. The guard, who appeared in 13 games for the Tigers last season, was a multi-time all-state standout at Huntsville High School. Across the court, the Blue Raiders roster includes former North Alabama guard Kevin de Kovachich, who joined the Conference USA squad after two seasons with UNA.
Middle Tennessee enters the game after a 17-15 campaign last year, which concluded with an 80-69 tournament loss to Louisiana Tech at the Von Braun Center. Historically, Auburn holds a 4-1 advantage over the Blue Raiders. The two programs last met during the 2017-18 Mike Slive Invitational in Birmingham, where Auburn secured a 76-70 win. Prior to that, Middle Tennessee edged out the Tigers 88-81 in an overtime thriller at Bridgestone Arena during the 2015-16 season.
