University of Memphis to Face Final Four Contender Auburn in High-Stakes Exhibition Doubleheader at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena Oct. 30

The University of Memphis men’s basketball team is set for an early season test that promises both excitement and intensity as they gear up to face off against powerhouse Auburn in a high-profile exhibition game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on October 30. The marquee matchup, scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. CT, will serve as the nightcap of a blockbuster basketball doubleheader that begins with a women’s clash between perennial national contenders South Carolina and North Carolina at 5:00 p.m. CT.

This elite showcase is not just a celebration of top-tier college basketball talent but also an opportunity for Memphis to measure itself against one of the premier programs in the country. The Auburn Tigers, fresh off recent seasons of national prominence including a Final Four appearance under head coach Bruce Pearl, will offer a formidable challenge to Penny Hardaway’s Memphis squad. For the Tigers of Memphis, this game is more than a preseason exhibition—it’s a litmus test for a team with March aspirations.

“Anytime you get the chance to compete against a Final Four team like Auburn, you embrace it,” said Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway. “These are the kinds of games that prepare you for March. It’s a great test for us as we prepare for the season.”

The opportunity to square off against a team of Auburn’s caliber in a nationally recognized venue adds weight to what is typically a low-stakes time of year. With both teams expected to be major players in their respective conferences, the game could provide an early glimpse of two squads that hope to make deep postseason runs. Though technically an exhibition and not counting toward either team’s regular season record, the intensity of the contest is unlikely to resemble anything close to a scrimmage.

State Farm Arena, home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, will provide a grand stage for the event. Hosting such a game in a professional arena not only underscores the prestige of the programs involved but also offers a chance for the student-athletes to experience the pressure and atmosphere of a major venue under the national spotlight. For many of these players, it’s a chance to compete in a setting not unlike what they’ll see in conference tournaments or even March Madness.

The scheduling of this exhibition event reflects a broader trend in college basketball: elite programs seeking out high-level competition before the official season tips off. In recent years, the NCAA has allowed teams to play exhibition games against fellow Division I opponents under the banner of charity or developmental contests. These matchups, often closed to the public, now increasingly include high-profile public exhibitions designed to prepare teams for the rigors of a long season.

In this particular case, the Memphis vs. Auburn showdown fits the mold of a game that both challenges players and energizes fans. It’s a mutually beneficial setup, allowing both coaching staffs to evaluate their rosters under competitive circumstances and make adjustments before the games begin to count. For the fanbase, it’s a chance to get an early look at new talent, system tweaks, and potential breakout players.

Memphis enters the 2025 season with high expectations. With a mix of returning veterans, promising transfers, and a talented freshman class, Coach Hardaway is looking to capitalize on the program’s momentum and return to national prominence. His ability to recruit and develop players has already brought Memphis back into the national conversation, and games like this one help reinforce the program’s competitive trajectory.

On the other sideline, Bruce Pearl’s Auburn squad brings a reputation for athleticism, discipline, and defensive intensity. A fixture in the upper echelon of the SEC, Auburn consistently competes for league titles and NCAA Tournament berths. Their Final Four pedigree, combined with a deep and experienced roster, makes them a perfect foil for Memphis at this stage of the year.

The doubleheader format of the event only adds to the intrigue. Opening the evening is a women’s basketball clash between two of the most storied programs in recent history: the South Carolina Gamecocks and the North Carolina Tar Heels. South Carolina, under head coach Dawn Staley, has built a dynasty with multiple Final Four appearances and national championships. North Carolina, meanwhile, brings its own legacy and a roster full of elite talent and high expectations. That game will set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling night of hoops in Atlanta.

Pairing elite men’s and women’s programs in the same event is also a powerful statement about the growing visibility and popularity of women’s basketball. With increased attention on the women’s game in recent years, this type of showcase helps elevate the sport while giving fans an unforgettable night of action. For those attending in person or watching via broadcast, it’s a rare opportunity to see four nationally relevant programs share the same court.

For Memphis, the road to March begins with these types of tests. Coach Hardaway knows that beating conference foes and earning respect in March starts with building toughness, chemistry, and confidence early. Facing Auburn allows the Tigers to identify strengths and weaknesses before the season officially kicks off. How well the team performs under pressure, how new players mesh with the system, and how leaders step up in key moments—these are the elements coaches want to evaluate before conference play begins.

Penny Hardaway’s leadership has injected new energy into the Memphis program. A hometown hero and former NBA All-Star, Hardaway has used his platform to recruit nationally ranked players while emphasizing development and accountability. Under his guidance, Memphis has embraced a bold schedule, unafraid to face anyone, anywhere. That mentality is reflected in this exhibition game.

Fans can also expect a spirited environment in Atlanta, as both programs have passionate followings willing to travel for marquee events. The Memphis faithful, known for their enthusiasm and loyalty, will no doubt be well-represented, creating a charged atmosphere in State Farm Arena. Similarly, Auburn fans are notorious for turning out in force, especially when their Tigers take on high-profile opponents.

While exhibitions don’t come with rankings implications or tournament consequences, the stakes for this game are nonetheless real. Coaches want to win, players want to compete, and fans want a show. In many ways, this game could be the first true test of character, resilience, and cohesion for both teams. It’s where talent meets opportunity, and only performance will separate the pretenders from the contenders.

From a broader perspective, games like these also benefit the sport of college basketball. They generate buzz during a time of year usually dominated by football, they spotlight talent across both men’s and women’s teams, and they create storylines that can carry well into the season. If the game lives up to its billing, it could become a highlight on the college basketball calendar and a trendsetter for future preseason showdowns.

As October 30 approaches, anticipation continues to build. With two heavyweight matchups on tap and national implications looming in the background, fans are in for a night to remember. For Memphis, Auburn, South Carolina, and North Carolina, the lights will be bright, the stage will be grand, and the opportunity will be significant.

The road to March doesn’t begin in a vacuum. It begins in arenas like State Farm, against opponents like Auburn, under coaches like Hardaway and Pearl. It begins when teams choose to challenge themselves before they have to. And it begins when players embrace the moment, even when the scoreboard doesn’t count—because the preparation, the competition, and the growth absolutely do.