A world-class track and field facility is being built at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offering the Birmingham community another opportunity to promote healthy living.
“For the first time in the UAB track and field program’s 33-year history, our student-athletes will have a world-class, competitive track where they can practice and compete,” said Mark Ingram, UAB Director of Athletics. “The new facility will allow us to host events of different levels from around the city, state and region. It will also be a great asset to our student body, faculty, staff and residents of Birmingham, who will also be able to enjoy using the track.”
UAB Athletics broke ground on the facility Friday, June 15. It will have a Mondo track surface with eight lanes, and each lane will be 48 inches in width. The track features dual straight-aways with discus, javelin and shot-put throwing space on the infield. The hammer cage and jumps will be located just outside the oval track.
Members of the Birmingham community will be able to utilize the track beginning in 2019 when it is not in use for official events. UAB Athletics is developing a schedule when the track will be open to the public. The new track will be capable of hosting NCAA, conference and high school-level meets.
It will be located adjacent to the renovated BBVA Compass Field, and the two facilities will share the press box, concessions stand and parking space. Food trucks will also be able to park along the walkway between the soccer field and track.
The project was made possible from a gift pledged by longtime UAB Athletics supporter Steve DeMedicis.