UAB’s Bartow Arena looks to upgrade the main entrance, premium seating, hospitality areas, scoreboards and the UAB Athletics Hall of Fame, pending additional stages of Board of Trustee approvals and sufficient philanthropic support to supplement other funding sources.Photography: Lexi Coon
The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees, at its June 9 meeting, voted in unanimous support of Stage 1, preliminary approval for the University of Alabama at Birmingham to explore possible renovations to Bartow Arena.
Bartow Arena has served UAB Athletics, the university and the community for over 35 years, providing a home in the heart of campus for UAB Men’s and Women’s Basketball, UAB Volleyball, university commencement ceremonies, local high school graduations, and more.
“The UAB team is excited about the opportunity to once again work with our generous partners on yet another transformational Athletics facility,” said Director of Athletics Mark Ingram.
Pending additional stages of Board of Trustee approvals and sufficient philanthropic support to supplement other funding sources, proposed Bartow Arena renovations could include construction of a new main entrance, with a modern design that dramatically upgrades the visual appeal of Bartow Arena. It also includes an expansion of premium seating and hospitality options to rival American Athletic Conference peer competitor venues, a new scoreboard and ribbon boards, and a home for the UAB Athletics Hall of Fame on the concourse. The total scope of the proposed project is estimated to be $20 million.
“Thanks to the leadership of Mark Ingram and his team, the proven dedication of UAB Blazer fans, and the unwavering support of the University of Alabama System Office and Board of Trustees, we are excited to explore this critical project for our continued growth in athletics and as an institution,” said UAB President Ray Watts. “This is coming at an exciting time as we are on the brink of our teams’ competing for championships in the American Athletic Conference.”
The UAB Department of Athletics officially joins the American Athletic Conference on July 1, 2023.
“Bartow Arena has been center stage for UAB Athletics since it was built in 1988, and it has served our teams and fans incredibly well,” Ingram said. “As we move into the American Athletic Conference, we must look at our new peers and ask ourselves how we compare to them in every way. We want to make an unforgettable impression on everyone who enters the building and preserve the legacy of Bartow Arena for years to come.”
The UAB Men’s Basketball program has made 16 NCAA Tournament appearances in program history and recently finished the 2022-23 season with a program record 29 wins.
“One of my goals in the continued growth of our storied program is to provide our supporters a first-class gameday experience, which requires key updates to Bartow Arena,” said UAB Men’s Basketball coach Andy Kennedy. “Bartow has provided our program and our fans many incredible moments. Now imagine those same magical moments in an enhanced venue, where you truly can’t wait to be back for the next game.”
The Women’s Basketball team has five regular season Conference USA championships, including winning the 2018 Conference USA regular season title.
“We are excited about the investment in our basketball programs and what that means for our student-athletes, fans and community partners,” said head Women’s Basketball coach Randy Norton. “Renovating Bartow Arena would give us a unique opportunity to build upon past success while solidifying the tradition of excellence established here at UAB.”
For more information, or to pledge your support of the Bartow Arena project, call the Blazer Booster office at (205) 996-9969.