Contractor Chosen For Protective Stadium Construction

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The construction of Birmingham's downtown football stadium and event venue will be in the hands of a local contractor, as the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority voted Feiday to award the contract to Brasfield & Gorrie.

Brasfield & Gorrie was the pre-qualified bidder for the project and issued the sole final bid, totaling $179 million for the project.

"Brasfield & Gorrie appreciates the opportunity to be a part of the Protective Stadium project team," Brasfield & Gorrie Vice President and Division Manager Robby Hayes said in a release. "We look forward to working with the BJCC to construct this exciting project for the city of Birmingham, Jefferson County, UAB, and the surrounding communities."

The design for the 45,000-capacity stadium was unveiled in September by Kansas City-based architecture firm Populous Architectural Design.

Funding for the stadium has come from a variety of sources. The Birmingham City Council voted in March 2018 to approve a resolution that would commit $90 million over 30 years toward the new stadium. The city's pledge added to the BJCC Authority's $10.7 million to the annual debt service on the project. The Jefferson County Commission has committed $1 million per year for 30 years.

UAB and corporate partners have committed to a combined $4 million per year for 10 years through a lease agreement, sponsorship and naming rights. The state Legislature also approved a bill that would use car rental tax funds to help pay for the stadium.

In addition to UAB football games, the new stadium also opens the door for events such as neutral-site college football games, concerts and other events. Last month, the Alabama High School Athletic Association announced that the Super 7 football championship games will be played at Protective Stadium in 2021, joining Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium and Tuscaloosa's Bryant-Denny Stadium in the rotation as hosts for the games.

Recently, a group of Birmingham business leaders expressed concern over the design of the project, and criticized the seating structure and layout of the stadium.

The plans for the stadium will move forward as planned with Friday's selection of a contractor.