AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn men’s basketball will host FAU in a charity exhibition game on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at Neville Arena, with all proceeds from 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.”
Previously the Together We Will Scholarship Program – the Melton Scholars Program was launched in 2023 to help increase access for underrepresented students and support them throughout their Auburn experience.
“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.
Because of the exhibition game’s charity focus, it will be sold as a standalone game separate from the men’s basketball season-ticket package. Season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase their seat locations for 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.
For those not able to attend the charity exhibition, donations can be made online to support the Melton Scholars Program through the Auburn University Foundation by clicking HERE