Party like it’s 1999: Tide, Tigers hosting NCAA Regionals

No strikeouts here.

For the first time in nearly a quarter century, Alabama and Auburn are each hosting the NCAA baseball Regionals. Auburn, the regional top seed, will enter the tournament as the No. 13 seed overall; Alabama is No. 16.

This is the first time since 1999 the two programs are hosting the regional in the same season.

For Auburn, this is the second year in a row the Tigers have hosted a regional – a first for the baseball program.

“I guess the biggest takeaway is the first time in our program history for Auburn baseball to host back-to-back Regionals at Plainsman Park is a big, big deal and a credit to our assistant coaches, all of our staff and these amazing players that have brought consistency to the program,” Head Coach Butch Thompson said. “Last year was pretty special here and to be able to do it again, I’m looking forward to it.”

Alabama baseball also made history this year by being selected to host its first regional game at home in 17 years.

Jason Jackson, head coach of Alabama, was excited to play in front of a home crowd.

“Our guys deserve it. They deserve to have a great crowd. I think our fan base is ready for it. I don’t think we need a call to action,” said Jackson. “I think they’re all going to be fired up. At the University of Alabama we have one of the best if not the best fan bases in the entire country. I know they’ve been waiting for this.

“I think they will all be here ready to roll.”

Auburn will be facing Ivy League champion Penn in the opening round Friday, 7 p.m. at Plainsman Field. The Quakers have made it into the tournament for the first time since 1995.

Alabama will open up against Nicholls State at 6 p.m. Friday in Tuscaloosa.

A link to the entire NCAA tournament bracket can be found here.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.