Alabama News

The kickoff to the upcoming SEC season begins where it will end in December, though the SEC Championship Game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Before toe meets leather to kick off the 2025 slate of football game, players and coaches meet with the media to talk about what lies ahead. Each day, AL.com will provide a daily recap from each day with key moments and interesting nuggets of information you might have missed.

Hugh Freeze optimism showcased at Media Days

For a coach and football program that are entering the third year of a relationship that hasn’t borne much fruit, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers arrived at Media Day with a bit of quiet confidence, and relaxed mindset.

Much of the talk that had been centered around Freeze’s golf game was discussed a bit, with Freeze embracing it, even giving former Alabama standout and SEC Network analyst Roman Harper some tips for his golf game.

One reason Freeze may have been comfortable talking about his golf game was because he displayed confidence in the team he coaches. Going as far as saying that his Auburn squad will be in the playoff discussion this season. There is a lot of time between now and Dec. 7 when playoff fates are decided, but Freeze feels good about his team.

Joining Auburn’s head coach were quarterback Jackson Arnold, offensive lineman Connor Lew, and defensive end Keldrick Faulk.

Arnold, who is no stranger to big rivalries following his time at Oklahoma, discussed the differences between the Red River Rivalry and the Iron Bowl.

 While on the main stage at SEC Media Days, Freeze remarked about how both depth, and talent on the offensive line, makes it one of his favorite lines since he’s been a coach. A lot of that credit, going to Connor Lew, who has been a mainstay on the line.

And despite the criticisms and daggers thrown Freeze’s way, Faulk stepped up and defended his coach while focusing on the present and ignoring talk of being a high NFL draft pick.

Alabama remains on Kirby’s mind

The reigning SEC champions arrived at Tuesday’s SEC Media Days, and while Kirby Smart took plenty of questions regarding his team, another school in the league was also discussed.

It’s no secret that some of Kirby’s best work as a coach was done for the Alabama Crimson Tide as he was an assistant for eight seasons. Add in his notable history with Alabama as Georgia head coach, and the litany of Alabama (and Auburn) related questions makes more sense.

When asked about the popular topic from the first day, the Georgia head coach joked that he tried to replace former assistant Will Muschamp, with Nick Saban. Although Smart got a predictable no, he did acknowledge that Saban remains locked into the sport, even chatting defensive tactics with the Georgia head coach.

Of the most anticipated games of 2025, Alabama at Georgia on Sept. 27 is right up there. In what very well could be a sequel to one of 2024’s best games, Kirby Smart is ready to welcome Alabama to Sanford Stadium.

As for perhaps his toughest road test of the 2025 campaign, Georgia’s head coach immediately declined adding any fuel to the fire for Auburn fans when Georgia visits Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Life without Nico

One of the biggest storylines of the offseason in the SEC and around the country was the departure of former Tennessee quarterback, Nico Iamaleava who left the Vols due to an NIL dispute. Following his holdout from spring ball with Tennessee, Iamaleava landed at UCLA and leaving Tennessee without a proven starter entering 2025.

During Tuesday afternoon’s press conference at SEC Media Days, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel addressed his quarterback situation. Later on, while chatting with ESPN, Tennessee’s head coach opened up more on the events of this past spring.

Despite the struggles of the last few months, the Tennessee football program has had some immediate success in recent seasons over Alabama, winning two of the last three “Third Saturday in October” matchups. Both were in Knoxville, but Heupel wasn’t ready to look too far ahead, however he does appreciate what the rivalry provides.

It’s rare that a player can be on both sides of a rivalry such as Tennesse and Alabama, however Tennessee has someone on their roster who can make such a claim. Vols tight end Myles Kitselman played for the Crimson Tide before entering the portal following Nick Saban’s retirement. He spoke at Media days on what it meant to have a role in wearing both crimson and orange on the third Saturday in October.

Is Arch Manning ready for his closeup?

He’s yet to take a snap in his sophomore season, and you can make a case he’s already one of the faces (if not, the face) of college football.

Attending his first media days, Texas quarterback Arch Manning is used to the spotlight, he is a Manning after all. So why not lean on family for advice when it comes to these types of events. Arch’s grandfather, SEC quarterback legend, Archie.

As for the Texas Longhorns, head coach Steve Sarkisian was introduced to the main room at the College Football Hall of Fame, to the tune of the Aggie War Hymn, Texas A&M’s fight song. One major problem there, he’s the head coach at Texas. Now, it’s only fair that A&M head coach Mike Elko has to hear “Texas Fight” as he goes to the podium.

As for the on-field product, the Texas head coach talked about Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, the man who currently occupies his old spot on the Alabama staff.

Sark has matched up with Grubb twice before, in the 2022 Alamo Bowl and lastly in the 2023 Sugar Bowl. Sark was complementary of what Grubb can do and provided a good review of what Alabama’s offense could potentially do this coming season.

An interesting note during the Texas head coach’s media session today was his comments regarding Jordan-Hare Stadium. Although he hasn’t coached there with Texas, he’s spent plenty of time there at the Iron Bowl as an assistant. However, it doesn’t matter if his job title has changed, some things you just don’t forget.

What’s coming on Day 3 of Media Days?

The third day of Media Days from Atlanta will see the arrival of the Alabama Crimson Tide to kick things off. Head coach Kalen DeBoer will bring Tim Keenan, Kadyn Proctor, and Deontae Lawson.

Could DeBoer make an announcement regarding his quarterback? Will DeBoer carry the same quiet confidence that Auburn’s Hugh Freeze walked in with on Tuesday?

Joining Alabama in Atlanta tomorrow will be Mississippi State, Florida, and Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Sooners will be a much-talked about group with head coach Brent Venables in a must-win season but also may have some words regarding his former quarterback, Jackson Arnold, now with Auburn.

SEC Media Days begin at 9 a.m. on SEC Network. Follow AL.com for live updates as Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer speaks in front of the media. For a recap of Day 1 of SEC Media Days 2025, follow the link.

A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 6:55 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8 p.m. for Macon, Bullock, Pike and Barbour counties.

The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches).

“At 6:55 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Tuskegee National Forest to near Ariton. Movement was west at 10 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Troy, Tuskegee, Union Springs, Brundidge, Clio, Banks, Franklin, Pickett, Aberfoil, Franklin Field, Lake Tuskegee, Beans Crossroads, Linwood, Tuskegee National Forest, Davisville, Boot Hill, Liverpool, Doster, Antioch and Hardaway.

According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
• Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Slow down and drive with care:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.

If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

Dabo Swinney shared Tuesday a case of mistaken identity when he thought he was doing LSU coach Brian Kelly – and his family – a favor.

It turns out there is more than one famous Brian Kelly.

“Just really stupid on my part,” the Clemson coach said.

Swinney told a story Tuesday about he and wife vacationing in Florida.

“I had a hilarious moment this summer,” he said. “This is hilarious. Also, just really stupid on my part, shocker. We went down to the beach and we went to, there’s a place called Grayton Beach in the panhandle. …

So my sister-in-law, she’s saying, ‘Hey, Brian Kelly has a place. His wife has a gift shop right on the corner there in Grayton Beach.’

“I’m like, ‘Oh really? That’s pretty cool.’ I had no idea. So anyway, we go there, and I go into the store. Me and Kath walking into the store and Kath buys something because she’s trying to support Mrs. Kelly or whatever we’re doing. So I’m walking around and they’re like, ‘Yeah, and he’s got a concert! He’s going to have a concert in the back.’

“There’s a little stage in the back and there’s, like, I think a little fake grass. Just a small little area, and it says, ‘Brian Kelly, you know, performing live on this day or whatever.’

“And I’m going, ‘Freakin’ A! Brian Kelly can sing and play? I didn’t know that!’ So I’m taking pictures and I’m sending all these pictures to Brian Kelly. …

“Well then, the guy that was with my brother, he’s walking around because Kath said something about, I don’t know what she said, ‘I just can’t believe that Brian Kelly, this is really cool.’ And (she says), ‘You know, we play them in the opener’ or whatever to the guy and he’s like, ‘What?!’”

As it turns out, it was Brian Kelley’s place. Brian Kelly of Florida Georgia Line, not the LSU coach.

“And I went, ‘What?! I’ve been firing all these pictures off to Brian Kelly.’ He’s over there probably going, ‘What the hell?! This is an idiot. What’s this dude doing?’”

Check out the full story above.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

The biggest threat to Alabama this upcoming season is, wait for it, Alabama, so says college football analyst Josh Pate.

Pate, the CBS Sports analyst, joined the “Beat Everyone” podcast at SEC Media Days this week in Atlanta and is high on the Crimson Tide.

“Got an opportunity, along with about four or five teams, to win the conference,” Pate said of Kalen DeBoer’s team. “Could easily see them winning the national championship.

“It’s also a team – on the low end – that has a lot of 8-4 clustered into the outcomes if you were to simulate it 100 times.”

To be fair, Pate believes the same thing about Texas when it comes to the biggest threat staring the Longhorns in the mirror.

Texas, Georgia, LSU and Alabama are all on his radar for the SEC championship and more.

Like many, Pate believes good decision making from the quarterback, presumably Ty Simpson, and a commitment to running the ball is where it starts.

“I don’t see many weaknesses with them,” he said. “It may not be that they are A+ across the board … (but) I look at Alabama and say, ‘I don’t know what’s going to keep them from it.’”

Pass rush, for example, he said, may not dominate across the board but cumulatively can get it done.

“They have a shot to be the best receiving corps in the league,” Pate said. “One of. They have a chance to have the best defensive back room in the league. One of.”

The reason, Pate believes, is because Year 2 under DeBoer is what he calls a settling in season. Not in terms of comfort, but “we have our guys now.”

Check out the full interview above.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

A south Alabama man is behind bars following an armed kidnapping Tuesday morning in Dale County.

Shane Carpenter, 55, of Clio, is charged with first-degree kidnapping, two counts of second-degree assault and first-degree criminal mischief.

The ordeal began about 7:30 a.m. when Dale County sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of County Road 113 in Ariton on a report of a possible wreck with injuries.

Sheriff Mason Bynum said a man and a woman were driving on County Road 113 when they came upon a vehicle that was stopped in the road.

As they approached that vehicle, the vehicle accelerated and hit their vehicle, knocking both vehicles off the roadway.

Both victims tried to run away, but Carpenter forced the woman into his vehicle at gunpoint and drove off.

Authorities said the suspect and the female victim know each other.

Investigators later learned that Carpenter was at his home on Copperhead Road in Barbour County.

Dale and Barbour county deputies found Carpenter and the victim there. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency assisted in the investigation.

The woman had non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Carpenter was taken to the Dale County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

With the MLB All-Star game tonight, you can be a sports betting All Star by using BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 to get $150 in bonus bets when you sign up and win a $10 bet.

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BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 at a glance

BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500: How to claim the offer for the MLB All-Star Game

With two great welcome offers for new users, BetMGM earns its reputation as one of the most respected brands in the sports betting industry.

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BetMGM existing user promos for MLB All-Star Game and The Open Championship

In addition to its two new user promotions, BetMGM Sportsbook also offers various promos for existing users. By keeping tabs on the promo section, you will find opportunities to earn more bonus bets, “no sweat bets,” profit boosts, and more.

Here are some of the best BetMGM existing user promos available today:

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How to use BetMGM bonus code ALCOM1500 for the MLB All-Star Game

If you are in a state where you are claiming the $1,500 first-bet offer, then you can place any bet you want as your qualifying wager. Just keep in mind that your bonus bets will only pay out the winnings, but not the original stake, so there is a good chance you will not win back everything you lost even if you win your bonus bets.

It’s more important to pick a winning bet as your qualifying wager if you are claiming the bet $10, get $150 offer. As a reminder, you only get the $150 bonus if you win your bet, which should be easy to do since there are no minimum odds for the qualifying wager.

For tonight’s MLB All-Star Game, the best bet to claim this offer is over 3.5 runs at -900 odds. Those odds imply a 90% chance of winning.

While you will only win $1.11 on a $10 bet, you will secure the $150 in bonus bets. That is the main goal here, so don’t worry about the modest profit. You can look for other bets with better potential payouts after claiming the bonus bets.

There have been at least four runs scored in the MLB All-Star Game in six consecutive seasons and in 31 of the last 33 seasons. Before 2013, there were at least four runs in 22 consecutive All-Star Games.

Anything is possible, but it would be a major surprise if we don’t see plenty of offense tonight.

Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 6:10 p.m. on Tuesday for strong thunderstorms until 7:15 p.m. for Geneva County.

Residents can anticipate wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

“At 6:10 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 6 miles southeast of Florala to De Funiak Springs to near Vernon. Movement was southwest at 25 mph,” says the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Panama City Beach, Vernon, Santa Rosa Beach, De Funiak Springs, Eglin Air Force Base, Union, Liberty, Live Oak, Freeport, Paxton, Ponce De Leon, Westville, Ebro, Oakwood Hills, Cluster Springs, Whitehead Crossroads, Villa Tasso, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside and Rock Hill.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”

When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms

Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

• When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
• Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
• Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

• Once you’re indoors, avoid using corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing fixtures, and stay away from windows and doors.
• These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

• After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
• It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

• Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
• Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
• If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
• Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
• Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.

Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather

Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of rapid water flow:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Prioritize visibility

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

The MLB All-Star Game is here, and if you want to cash in on all the star-studded action, the bet365 bonus code ALBET365 is the way to do it.

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bet365 bonus code ALBET365 at a glance

bet365 bonus code ALBET365: How to claim the offer

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bet365 existing user promos

The bet365 Sportsbook offers a handful of promotions each day, far fewer than that of the average U.S. sportsbook. But bet365 also offers arguably the two best promotions for existing users every day of the year.

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How to use the bet365 bonus code ALBET365 for the MLB All-Star Game

If you are intending to wager on the Midsummer Classic in Cobb County on Tuesday, then our best advice is to wager the NL to win (-110).

The senior circuit has won just one of the past 11 All-Star Games. But with Paul Skenes starting on the hill, plus far bigger names like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Manny Machado, Ronald Acuna Jr., Pete Crow-Armstrong, plus reserves like Elly De La Cruz and a lights-out bullpen, the NL deserves to be more of a favorite.

If you’re looking for a wager to place for the highly anticipated matchup between Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever vs the New York Liberty, wagering the Liberty is the way to go.

The Fever will be playing the second of a back-to-back after playing in Connecticut on Tuesday. The Liberty are tied for the league’s second-best record (14-6) after they won by seven over the Atlanta Dream on Sunday.

Plus, wagering New York on the moneyline opens the door for early win — or if you choose it as a parlay, early win is available on that as well.

Learn more about our gaming editorial staff.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

The midsummer classic takes place on Tuesday night in Atlanta, Georgia with the National League as small favorites over the American League. Despite the betting odds, the NL has won just once in the last 12 all-star games. The game might be meaningless, but it’s still a display of the top talent baseball has to offer. New users don’t need a DraftKings promo code to claim $150 in bonus bets after placing an original $5 wager.

DraftKings promo code details

DraftKings promo code: How to claim the offer

Now that you know all about the latest DraftKings promo code, it’s time to take advantage of the offer. Getting involved requires just four steps:

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DraftKings will credit your account with $150 in bonus bets, no matter the result of your first wager. The bonus is issued as six separate $25 bets. These must be used within seven days, or they will expire.

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DraftKings existing user promos

New users don’t need a DraftKings promo code to get $150 in bonus bets, as mentioned above, but existing users aren’t forgotten either. Users can log in daily to claim generous perks such as profit boosts and no sweat bets. Here’s what’s available on Tuesday:

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• MLB Live Plate Appearance Boost Pack: Get three profit boost tokens to use on the “Plate Appearance” market while live betting the all-star game.

How to use DraftKings promo to bet MLB All-Star Game

Paul Skenes will start the 2025 All-Star Game for the National League, who enters the matchup as a small favorite against the American League, who will send Tarik Skubal to the mound to kick things off.

In order to activate the DraftKings promo code, you need to place a $5 wager on any market. It doesn’t matter if your bet wins or loses, you will activate the promotion either way. For that reason, it makes sense to take a long shot and try and cash in on a nice payday.

Thankfully, it makes sense to do just that when you’re betting on the MVP of the all-star game. In the last two years, we’ve seen Jarren Duran and Elias Diaz decide tight ball games late, coming off the bench. Both were honored with the MVP award and both had odds longer than 50-to-1 prior to first pitch.

While it might be tough to avoid names like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, they’ll be out of the game, and theoretically out of mind, long before voters select the MVP.

One name that pops off the page is Eugenio Suarez at +6000 odds. Suarez trails only Judge, Ohtani and Home Run Derby champion Cal Raleigh in home runs through the first half of the season. He’ll likely get one or two at bats in the late innings coming off the bench, and he’s as good a bet as any to hit one out.

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As far as big game atmospheres go, Jordan-Hare Stadium is often brought up among the loudest.

The stadium holds just under 90,000 fans and empty seats are rare. When it’s time for a big game, especially against Alabama or Georgia, the atmosphere seems to go up a level.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian experienced that environment when he was the offensive coordinator at Alabama, and he gave Auburn fans high praise for the atmosphere created at the Iron Bowl.

“When you’re at Alabama and you go to Auburn, probably the toughest place to play in the country,” Sarkisian said. “It’s one of the loudest things I’ve ever heard.”

The response came after Sarkisian was asked about how the Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas compares to the Iron Bowl.

Despite praising the atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium for the Iron Bowl, Sarkisian called the Red River Rivalry the best rivalry he’s ever been a part of.

“That’s to take nothing away from the Iron Bowl because that’s amazing too,” Sarkisian said, “But different because it goes back and forth, home game to home game.”

The question was raised after Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold was asked a similar question earlier in the day about the two rivalries. Arnold started his career at Oklahoma, also giving him the perspective of both sides, despite not yet playing in an Iron Bowl.

His perspective dealt mainly with the year-round aspect of the rivalry, something he’s already getting a taste of at Auburn.

“OU-Texas, there’s a lot of hate,” Arnold said, “But I feel like the people here just cannot stand Alabama. It’s unbelievable…

“I feel like if you mention Alabama here, somebody would look at you funny. We even have a rule in our facility; you can’t wear red in our facility at all. If you do, you lose points and you have to do updowns.”

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m