Protective Life will be the naming rights sponsor for the new BJCC stadium in downtown Birmingham.
This story Lauren Walsh originally appeared on ABC 33/40.
The Birmingham based company and the BJCC announced a 15-year agreement for the naming rights sponsor of the new multi-use stadium.
The stadium, expected to open in 2021, will lie between Legacy Arena and TopGolf, adjacent to the Uptown entertainment district.
The stadium will host UAB’s home football games. Leaders also hope it will draw outdoor concerts and regional events.
“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 continue thriving,” said Rich Bielen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Protective. “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. We are honored to continue this mission by supporting this transformational project for our city.”
Protective will pay $1 million annually for the name rights.
Allie Moody is one UAB student who’s been going to UAB football games her entire life.
“We bleed green and gold,” Moody said. “We’re huge fans, my whole family.”
That’s why Moody’s especially excited for the new Protective Stadium, where UAB will play its home games.
“I mean, I love Legion Field but getting down there as a student is a track for everybody to get there,” said Moody. “Having it in Uptown is amazing, the district is awesome.”
Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens says the naming right was highly sought after.
“This was a negotiable bidding process,” said Stephens. “There were several that actually wanted to be the named stadium and we’re proud that one of our local companies, Protective Life, actually won the bid and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”
But along with the exciting news, leaders expressed a change of tune on having the stadium ready for the World Games in 2021.
“It will be a challenge,” Stephens said. “If everything falls into place, we can make that deadline, but if something is delayed, something is out of place or we have to do remedial work somewhere, that makes that much more difficult.”
Right now, utility relocation is almost done.
In June, BJCC plans to put out a bid to prepare the foundation for the stadium.
And early fall, Stephens says the general construction bid package will be ready.
“What has slowed it down?” ABC 33/40 asked.
“Well, we said we were attempting to have it for the World Games and we still are,” Stephens replied. “So really, what we’re doing right now is looking to make sure we can meet that deadline, and I’m being realistic in telling you it’s going to be difficult to make that deadline but it is still possible and attainable.”
What Stephens feels more comfortable in saying is that the stadium will be ready for UAB football, fall of 2021.
