Auburn to host FAU in a charity exhibition game at Neville Arena

AUBURN — Auburn men’s basketball will play a charity exhibition game against FAU on Friday, November 1 at 7 p.m. at Neville Arena, with all ticket sales benefiting the Auburn University Melton Scholars Program.

“I would like to thank the NCAA for their wisdom and willingness to support this game,” head coach Bruce Pearl said. “We are going to make a tremendous impact. The visibility and exposure that this game is going to receive; it’s not only going to allow people to buy tickets but also make contributions, or even have a discussion around the kitchen table asking, ‘What do you think about us sponsoring a Melton Scholar? I wonder what that would look like. We’re going to give them that opportunity on Nov. 1.

“I’ve always believed you can’t ask somebody to do something that you’re not willing to do yourself. I’ve always invested in the scholarship program and our family is very proud to be a Melton Scholar donor. Do what God would have us do every single day and try the best of our abilities to live by that.”

The Melton Scholars Program, formerly known as the Together We Will Scholarship Program, was established in 2023 with the goal of assisting underrepresented students in gaining admission and providing them with support during their time at Auburn.

“Bruce has enthusiastically lent his support and commitment to the effort of making the Auburn experience a reality for more students in our state. We have some of the best and brightest minds attending Auburn to pursue an undergraduate degree and engage with a dynamic community of scholars,” said Dr. Taffye Benson Clayton, Auburn University Vice President and Associate Provost. “Bruce’s contributions and his engagement of others to give has made a huge difference in the advancement of the Together We Will Scholarship Program.”

Like the Tigers, FAU reached the NCAA Tournament a year ago. The Owls won the hearts of America as one of two Cinderella teams to make a run to the NCAA Final Four in 2023.

The men’s basketball exhibition game will be sold separately from the season ticket package due to its charitable focus. Season ticket holders will be the first to choose where they want to sit during the exhibition.

Information on the purchase process and deadline will be communicated soon. All remaining inventory will go on sale to the public in early October.

“Growing up in Leeds, Alabama, I experienced firsthand the challenges of limited access to opportunities,” said Charles Barkley, an 11-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer who played for the Tigers from 1981-84. “I was fortunate enough to receive a basketball scholarship to Auburn, which profoundly changed my life. I owe so much to the coaches who believed in me during that pivotal time.

“This situation resonates deeply with underrepresented students, especially African American students, who aspire to attend college. Many of them will be the first in their families to graduate and break the cycle of limited opportunities. This underscores the significance of the Melton Scholars Program.

“I am grateful to Bruce and the administration for their support in funding this initiative through the proceeds from the exhibition game. We cannot break the cycle without believing in these students and recognizing their potential contributions to society beyond Auburn University. I remain committed to fostering diversity at Auburn and ensuring that underrepresented students feel valued and welcomed.”

The Auburn-FAU charity exhibition game was approved through an NCAA waiver.

On Aug. 1, 2024, the NCAA Committee for Legislative Relief approved a recommendation issued by the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee to permit an institution to conduct both of its two permissible exhibition games in the sport of basketball against a Division I institution for the purpose of raising funds for catastrophic events, social justice initiatives and/or general medical expenses.