$123M Legacy Arena Expansion Details Revealed By BJCC

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Some big things are happening in downtown Birmingham - especially when it comes to sports and events. Work has already begun on a new football stadium that will host the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the much-anticipated renovations for Legacy Arena at the BJCC are just around the corner.

The arena was built in 1976, and was home to the World Hockey Association's Birmingham Bulls, in addition to hosting UAB's home basketball games before the building of Bartow Arena in 1988. Since it first opened its doors, the venue has hosted thousands of concerts, sporting events, conferences and more, and the city looks to continue that use as the arena gets a much-needed face lift.

A report by Alabama News Center said the $123 million renovation and expansion of the arena will include enhancements to improve the fan experience, circulation to and within the space and modernization aimed at the kind of amenities and interactions today’s fans and customers expect.

An added glass wall with floor space will allow for natural light within an expanded area perfect for exhibitions, showcases and other programming, and the primary entrance into the arena will be reoriented to Ninth Avenue and 19th Street North.

Landscaping and contrasting paint colors will make for a more aesthetically pleasing building.
Inside the arena, club-level boxes and VIP suites will be one noticeable difference. Modern seating will be installed, enhancements that build on the use of smartphones and technology will be added. Improved concessions are in the plan as well as an option that could allow for delivery to individual seats.

Other changes are planned for behind the scenes areas that will allow for the larger tour buses, increased number of tractor-trailers and other logistics support that comes with modern concert and entertainment productions. The courtyard that connects the arena to the concert hall and exhibition halls will also get an overhaul and all of the BJCC enhancements will complement the $174 million, 55,000-seat stadium being built nearby.

Plans are to have the stadium completed in time for the 2021 World Games opening ceremony and the new Legacy Arena ready in the winter of 2022.

Alabama News Center writer Michael Tomberlin published the bulk of this piece November 2.

Photo via Alabama News Center