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Protective Stadium - home of UAB in Birmingham, AL
NCAA FBS

Protective StadiumBirmingham, Alabama

UAB

👥
Capacity
47,100
🏆
Conference
American
📅
Opened
2021
🌱
Surface
Artificial turf

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📖About Protective Stadium

Protective Stadium opened in 2021 as a symbol of UAB football's resurgence after the program was shut down in 2014 and reinstated in 2017. The $200M downtown Birmingham venue seats 47,100 and hosts the Birmingham Bowl.

🏛️Protective Stadium History

Origins

Built to replace aging Legion Field as part of Birmingham's Uptown Entertainment District revitalization. Protective Life secured 15-year, $15M naming rights. UAB moved here after reinstating football in 2017.

Major Renovations

2021Stadium completed with modern suites, premium seating, HD video board

Notable Moments

Oct 2, 2021Stadium debut: UAB hosted Liberty before 35,000+ fans
Dec 28, 2021First sold-out event: Birmingham Bowl (Auburn vs Houston)
Sep 2021Sign lighting ceremony featured Alabama's first drone show

🎟️Visiting Protective Stadium

Best Seats

Premium suites offer downtown Birmingham views. West side grandstands have afternoon shade.

Parking Tips

Downtown parking decks and BJCC lots available. Uptown entertainment district walkable.

Game Day

Part of Uptown Birmingham revitalization. Alabama AHSAA Super 7 championships held here. Walking distance to restaurants and bars.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Todd English's P.U.B.

$$$

High-end public house located in the Uptown district right next to the stadium.

📍 0.2 miles2221 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203

💡 Known for its raw bar and 'seven second' pours. Great for a more upscale pre-game experience.

Mugshots Grill & Bar

$$

Popular regional chain known for its burgers and lively sports bar atmosphere.

📍 0.2 miles2311 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N #100, Birmingham, AL 35203

💡 A classic gameday choice with plenty of TVs and a great burger menu.

Birmingham District Brewing Co.

$$

Local craft brewery with a spacious taproom and outdoor seating.

📍 1.4 miles2201 2nd Ave S #102, Birmingham, AL 35233

💡 A bit further but offers a great local craft beer scene and often has food trucks.

🍽️Restaurants

Eugene's Hot Chicken

$$

Iconic Birmingham hot chicken spot known for its flavor and heat levels.

📍 0.4 miles2268 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

💡 A must-try for any visitor to Birmingham. Order ahead if possible as it gets busy on game days.

Saw's Soul Kitchen

$$

Famous for its Southern soul food and BBQ, specifically the 'Pork Skins'.

📍 2.8 miles215 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222

💡 Slightly away from the stadium but worth the trip for authentic Birmingham BBQ.

The Pizitz Food Hall

$$

A large food hall with a wide variety of local vendors and international cuisines.

📍 1.0 miles1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

💡 Perfect for groups who can't agree on one type of food. Great downtown location.

🏨Hotels

The Westin Birmingham

$$$$

Modern, upscale hotel located right in the heart of the Uptown entertainment district.

📍 0.2 miles2221 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203

💡 The absolute best location for avoiding gameday traffic.

Sheraton Birmingham Hotel

$$$

Connected to the BJCC and very close to the stadium.

📍 0.3 miles2101 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203

💡 Solid choice for its proximity and large capacity.

🎭Attractions

Vulcan Park and Museum

$

Home to the world's largest cast iron statue and incredible views of the city.

📍 3.2 miles1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209

💡 The best place to see the entire Birmingham skyline and learn about its industrial history.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

BJCC North Garage

$20
Garage📍 0.2 miles

💡 The closest parking option for fans, located directly across from the stadium.

🅿️

City Walk Surface Lots

$15
Lot📍 0.4 miles

💡 Good value parking that is still an easy walk to the gates.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Protective Stadium? Share it with us.

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.