Over the last year, a large amount of construction has gone into the development of Birmingham’s Protective stadium. Ideally, the stadium will be completed in time for the 2021 UAB football season. 

“Protective is proud to partner with the BJCC to make this stadium a reality. This is more than a stadium – it’s an opportunity for our community to con tinue thriving,” said Rich Bielen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Protective in a statement issued on the Protective Stadium website. “We are invested  in Birmingham’s future and remain committed to creating positive local impact – a cornerstone of our company’s foundation for more than 110 years.” 

UAB’s current home stadium, Legion Field, has been criticized due to its old age. Opened in 1927, the stadium has undergone several renovations over the  years. However, with the Protective Stadium’s state-of-the-art facilities, it is safe to say that Birminghamians have lots to look forward to with UAB’s new  home venue. 

 Global architecture firm Populous has been in charge of the stadium’s development plans and management. Even though the primary tenant of the stadium is the UAB Blazer football team, the multi-use venue will host concerts and events in the future, COVID-19 permitting. 

“I’m happy to be able to present these designs to our board,” said Tad Snider, executive director and CEO of BJCC Authority in a press release. “Each  step in this process brings us closer to a completed stadium. The team at Populous are industry leaders in human-centered design and have done a wonderful job with this project. They’ve designed Protective Stadium with a clear understanding of what has worked well—and what hasn’t—for other facilities  around the world.” 

 While many locals are excited about the new stadium, UAB’s athletic leadership will be most ready for the change in venues.  

“We are so excited and thankful to everyone who has made this happen,” said UAB Director of Athletics, Mark Ingram in a press release. “I am thrilled for our fans who have waited so long to see our football program achieve the success we are capable of. This is a crowning achievement for everyone in the greater Birmingham area and something that we all will enjoy for years to come. Protective Stadium continues to put us in a position to win championships.”

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