2023 SHP Ornament
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has an array of ideas for Blazer fans and families. Whether looking for fun activities, spirited gear or giving to others, there is something for everyone on the 2023 UAB gift guide.
For the Blazer fan
- Get Blaze on the tree with a one-of-a-kind UAB holiday ornament, which supports the School of Health Professions’ Blazer Closet Fund. Order by Dec. 10.
- Shop UAB merchandise, from onesies to T-shirts, sweats, blankets, ornaments, signs and more from the convenience of home via UAB’s online Bookstore.
- Visit the UAB Bookstore in-person in the Hill Student Center for exclusive licensed merchandise like the Gene Bartow Collection. A portion of proceeds from the collection will go to the Coach Gene Bartow Fund for Cancer Research.
- Snag a UAB license plate for the true Blazer.
Explore the arts or give an arts experience
- Give gift certificates or tickets to upcoming performances presented by UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Hurry, as shows like The O’Jays and Gladys Knight are already selling out. In 2024, the Alys Stephens Center will present legendary performers such as Alvin Ailey Dance, plus family shows Mutts Gone Nuts and Buckets N Boards. Plan a night out with free tickets to see double bass virtuoso Xavier Foley on Feb. 7. See the full calendar of performances at AlysStephens.org.
- Have a budding artist or actor? Support their dreams with the gift of an arts class or summer camp from ArtPlay Community Education. Gift certificates are also available.
- Limited edition books and T-shirts from UAB’s Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts make unique gifts for lovers of the visual arts.
Fun events for the whole family
- Join ArtPlay for its annual holiday open house 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Sounds of the season will fill the air, with lights and plentiful art projects for all ages. Santa will be available for photos. This event is free and open to the public with registration. Register online.
- The first Blazer Claus will be Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m.-noon, at the Alumni House. Get in the holiday spirit with this one-of-a-kind experience with Blaze. A $35 family ticket for up to five family members includes:
- Pictures with Blaze
- A meet and greet with Santa Claus, including a professional photograph
- Holiday card coloring station, ornaments, crafts and games
- Cookie decorating, snacks and a hot chocolate bar, plus a special gift for participants
- Growing Up Green and Gold members can get a VIP experience before the doors open, including holiday stories read by one of Santa’s helpers.
- National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation” is loaded with laugh-out-loud moments, but what makes this movie a cult classic? Find out during “We’re gonna have the Hap-Hap-Happiest Christmas! Why 'National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation' is the Quintessential Christmas Movie,”at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Join UAB Director of Service Learning and Undergraduate Research Gareth Jones, a film festival consultant and co-host of radio show “Sleep in Cinema” on Substrate Radio, for this free webinar and discover more about this popular holiday movie.
- ArtPlay presents Mini Makers Holiday Gift Workshop 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 18-19, in the ArtPlay house. No matter what holiday kids may celebrate, ArtPlay has a fun day full of creating and exploring the arts planned for them. Children ages 6-12 can join ArtPlay during the holiday season to make gifts, and at the end of the two-day workshop, participants will have help wrapping their special gifts. $235. Register online.
- Kids on your list could go to URec day camp and participate in adventure sports, engaging crafts, aquatic activities and everything else the UAB Campus Recreation Center has to offer. Camps for children ages 5-12 are from Dec. 18-22 and from Jan. 2-5, 2024. Choose from one or both full sessions, individual days, or a customized combination. Find out more information here. Registration for all camps closes one week prior to the camp date, or once camper capacity is reached. For a camper form, click here.
Blazer gear photo by Andrea MabryMemberships and sports
- The Growing Up Green and Gold program lets families share their Blazer pride. For a one-time $25 fee, enrolling a child in the UAB National Alumni Society will help celebrate their life achievements by sending Blazer birthday cards, biennial gifts throughout childhood and invitations to UAB events. Growing Up Green and Gold is presented by Legacy Credit Union. Enroll up to four children today.
- Blazer Buddies is the new official Kids Club of UAB Athletics, open to all children ages 12 and under. Blazer Buddies will receive a Kids Club ID, which grants admission to all Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Softball and Baseball games. Blazer Buddies Kids Club members will also be eligible for discounted tickets to select Men’s Basketball games. Memberships are available for $35 and run Aug. 1-May 31, 2024.
- Give an arts membership and treat them to exclusive benefits. It is the perfect present for those who are truly passionate about the arts, or who want to be first to hear about upcoming performances.
- For the Blazer sports fan, purchase UAB Athletics season tickets for Men’s Basketball or Football. Email tickets@uab.edu or call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-UAB1.
- The UAB Athletics’ 2023-24 Gold Card provides access to all home events for Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Softball and Baseball. This card is not valid for Conference USA or NCAA Championship events. Prices are $65 for one card, $120 for two cards, $165 for three, and $200 for four. Fans can purchase a Gold Card online or call 205-975-UAB1. For questions, email tickets@uab.edu.