6 spring sporting events to mark including opening dates, SEC Gymnastics + more

While the focus may be on the hardwood throughout March, basketball season will soon be over. But don’t worry: Spring is full of sports to watch around the Magic City. 

We’ve curated the perfect mix of offerings for every type of sport enthusiast, including some excellent outdoor events to soak up all that great spring sunshine. Here’s how you can get in the game around Birmingham this spring and beyond.

1. NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional

Get ready for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four at the BJCC. Birmingham is slated to host the Division I women’s basketball southern regional preliminary rounds, including the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. This will be the first time for the women’s tournament to come to the Magic City.

Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just looking for an action-packed experience, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional at the BJCC is the place to be.

• Womens Basketball Regional
• March 28-31
• Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• Tickets

2. Baseball: Birmingham Barons

The start of spring always signifies the beginning of baseball season and Alabama has plenty of history on that front.

Our state has three minor league teams—Birmingham Barons, Montgomery Biscuits and Rocket City Trash Pandas—in the Southern League. The Barons defeated the Biscuits in the league championship series last year after the two teams were in the national spotlight at Rickwood Field earlier in the year.

The Barons will return to the diamond with their usual promotion nights including Wet Nose Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and Friday Fireworks at home games. But the players on the field will also be chasing a second straight title.

Here are some things you need to know before the season:

• Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox Double-A affiliate)
• First home game of the season— Friday, April 4th
• Schedule | Roster
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

3. Soccer: Birmingham Legion FC

Birmingham Legion FC is set for its eighth season in the USL Championship at Protective Stadium on March 8.

Last year, the Legion missed out on the playoffs for the first time in club history, so fans are hoping for a turnaround in 2025. There have been some big changes to the roster with well-known players leaving, so some new faces will get plenty of playing time.

Manager Tommy Soehn remains in charge on the touchline, but the ownership group does have a new name involved as Hoover native + Crystal Palace player Chris Richards has invested in the club.

Here’s some things you need to know before heading out to the pitch:

• Birmingham Legion FC
• First match of the season — Saturday, March 8th
• Schedule | Roster
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. Football: Birmingham Stallions

Birmingham Stallions kick off their fourth spring season in April. The Stallions won the first two championships in the return of the USFL, then won the title again last season after the UFL merger.

Fun Fact: The Stallions are shown in primetime on FOX and ESPN around five times a year, attracting roughly 1 million viewers each game.

• Birmingham Stallions
• First game of the season— Friday, April 11th
• Schedule
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

5. 2025 SEC Gymnastics Championship

Some of the best college gymnasts in the country will converge on Birmingham later this month. Alabama and Auburn are both expected to make the cut for the tournament, which will be split into two sessions.

 The format will include the top eight teams (determined by NQS), with Seeds 5-8 competing in the afternoon session, and Seeds 1-4 competing in the evening session. Rotation schedules will be set once seeds are finalized at the conclusion of the regular season.

• When: Saturday, March 22 | 2:30PM
• Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC
• Tickets

The Crimson Tide has 10 conference titles to its name, last winning in 2021. Auburn has never won an SEC championship in gymnastics… yet!

6. Hockey: Birmingham Bulls

The Birmingham Bulls wrap up the regular season on April 5, having a few more weeks to secure their spot in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) playoffs.

Birmingham has had success in recent years, but is still searching for its first President’s Cup. As of March 5, the Bulls sit in sixth place in the league, needing to finish in the top 8 to make the playoffs.

Here’s what you need to know as the team enters the final stretch of the season:

• Birmingham Bulls
• Last home game — Saturday, March 28th
• Schedule | Roster
• Website | Instagram | Facebook

Looking forward to seeing these games and more this spring? Keep up to date on the latest with us @Bhamnow.