The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is getting a brand new home right here in The Magic City.

SWAC, which is an array of post-season men’s basketball tournaments, as well as track and field championships, are set to be held at Rickwood Field, beginning in Spring 2025.

Read on to learn more about this new partnership.

Birmingham City Council approves SWAC partnership

Earlier this month, Birmingham city leaders, along with Mayor Randall Woodfin, approved a deal that will see various college tournaments played in The Magic City.

The city agreed to contribute around $250 thousand each year to the new partnership. The SWAC, headquartered in Birmingham, is comprised of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This new agreement will also allow one of Birmingham’s historical and beloved sports, baseball, to be played on Rickwood Field, the oldest pro baseball park in the U.S.

“The city has made a lot of investments in updating our facilities, most recently with Rickwood Field in preparation for this year’s MLB game. We want to make sure these facilities are being fully utilized throughout the year. It really helps spur other economic development in these communities as well.”
Clinton Woods, City Councilor, HBCU Sport’s press release

This new partnership hopes to foster community pride and create opportunities to bring families and friends together.

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