Blog Layout

Flora-Bama Takes on New Meaning in Final Four

OBA Staff • March 31, 2025

Auburn has been ranked #1 in the country for most of the season

Picture Credit: Auburn University

Auburn will play Florida in the Final Four of the men's NCAA College Basketball Tournament. So it seems fitting that the ultimate game watch spot will be on the line at the Flora-Bama sports  grill. Auburn defeated Michigan State by a score of 70-64 and punched their ticket to San Antonio for the big game. Now the SEC matchup between Alabama and Florida college teams makes the national championship more exciting for coastal fans.


Auburn has appeared in the NCAA tournament 14 times, making it as far as the Final Four in 2019. Now they will face the Gators, who they know well from their SEC competition. During the regular season they lost to Florida by 9 points.


The game will be played in San Antonio, Texas. Tipoff is at 5:09 PM CT on Saturday, April 5th. So if we get to the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill an hour in advance, we should be good.


RELATED ARTICLE: Local Sports Bars That Score Big


The Final Four will consist entirely of No. 1 seeds, with No. 1 overall seed Auburn becoming the last to join Florida, Duke and Houston in San Antonio. One side of the bracket will feature Auburn vs. Florida while the other side the Blue Devils taking on a Houston team led by coach Kelvin Sampson.


It is not often our coastal region cheers for basketball, but having two teams in the final four is making a difference!


FUN FACT: Did you know that Shug Jordan was once Auburn's basketball coach? Prior to his tenure as Auburn's head football coach, Ralph "Shug" Jordan coached the Auburn men's basketball program for 10 seasons. Jordan was a football assistant coach when he coached the men's basketball program.


After playing football and basketball for Auburn from 1929 to 1932, Jordan became the head men's basketball coach in 1933. He coached until 1942, when he was called overseas to fight as an officer in World War II. Following his service, Jordan returned to Auburn to coach the 1945–46 team. He left Auburn to become the head men's basketball coach at Georgia after the season. Jordan finished with a record of 95–77 (.552) at Auburn.


Share this article w/ Friends...

Photo from Reach and Teach Facebook Page
By Allison Marlow April 1, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Part classroom lesson, part real life problem-solving and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll has defined the school day for students at Foley and Gulf Shores high schools recently.
Your Guide to Easter Events Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast
By R. Ken Cooper April 1, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Easter is just around the corner, and here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the celebrations are already taking shape. With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 this year, families have nearly three full weeks to enjoy a growing list of seasonal events stretching from Fort Morgan to Foley and over to Perdido Key. From egg hunts and bunny brunches to waterfront worship services and photo ops with live animals, the coast is gearing up for a busy and festive spring.
Orange Beach Garden Club Hosts Successful 37th Annual Game Day Event
April 1, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Garden Club hosted its 37th Annual Game Day fundraiser, an event that brings the community together for a day of fun and philanthropy each year. Under the leadership of 2025 Game Day Chair, Councilwoman Annette Mitchell, this year’s event was a resounding success.
Seven Days of Springtime Fun Across the Alabama Gulf Coast
By Jessica A. Taylor March 31, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – As March gives way to April, the Alabama Gulf Coast eases into a fresh rhythm that blends springtime energy with coastal calm. This week, there’s a full slate of activities stretching from land to sea, catering to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of open-water fishing, the serenity of parasailing over crystal clear waters, or the excitement of local theater and family-friendly events, the Gulf Coast offers something for every pace and interest.
Backcountry Trail Competing Again for National Title
By R. Ken Cooper March 31, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is once again in the running for a national award. It is part of USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice contest.
New Program Helps Coastal Homes Fight Erosion
By OBA Staff March 31, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program (PPBEP) has launched a new Living Shoreline Assistance Program to help fight shoreline erosion and protect private property.
Camp Under the Stars on the Beach at the Gulf Shores State Park
By OBA Staff March 30, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf State Park invites families to the Spring Beach Campout. The cost is $45 per tent for up to four people, with additional guests at $5 each. A parking pass is included. This family-friendly event is open to adults and children of all ages. Participants under 18 must have a responsible adult with them. Families should bring their own food, nonalcoholic beverages, and camping essentials. All drinks must be in non-glass containers.
American Red Cross Hosts Blood Drive at Orange Beach City Hall
By OBA Staff March 30, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Orange Beach City Hall to help meet the ongoing need for blood donations. The drive will take place on Monday, March 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 4099 Orange Beach Blvd.
The City of Foley is Rebuilding its Urban Tree Canopy
By Guy Busby March 29, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley is making progress in bringing back the trees lost nearly five years ago when Hurricane Sally hit the area. City crews have started replanting trees to help restore the urban forest.
Elberta German Sausage Festival Happening Today
By OBA Staff March 29, 2025
Elberta, Ala. – (OBA) – The Elberta German Sausage Festival kicks off today, March 29th at 8 am and runs until 5 pm. The Festival takes place at Elberta Town Park. This biannual event, held every March and October, celebrates Elberta's German heritage and supports the Elberta Volunteer Fire Department.
Show More
Share by: