Family fun, football and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers are a one-stop shop for Saturday outings this fall. With pre-game activities for all ages, families can show their Blazer spirit while creating memories that will last a lifetime at the Chick-fil-A Blazer Village.
“Our love for UAB football has grown exponentially over the years, much like our family, tailgate and Blazer Village,” said Kristen Chapleau, a UAB alumna and program instructor in the UAB School of Health Professions. “We tailgate with a group of friends from college, ‘The Greenbackers.’ The group began as a few faithful fans soon after we graduated but has now grown to more than 100 members and includes alumni, children, spouses, parents and friends. We love the family-fun atmosphere of Blazer Village that has become a part of our tailgate tradition.”
Here are five family-friendly ways you can be a part of Blazer Football Saturdays:
Meet Blaze
Birmingham’s friendly dragon, Blaze, hangs out around Blazer Village before the game. Grab the entire family for a photo and help him cheer on the Blazers to a win.
“Everyone loves Blaze,” Chapleau said. “He’s a staple to our gameday routine. We have photos of our children growing up with Blaze over the last few years.”
Get your groove on
Each home game, Blazer Village opens up four hours before kickoff with a live disc jockey to provide tunes for you and your family to dance to. The family friendly music selection entertains the youngest Blazer fans all day. Blaze is often spotted dancing with families throughout the day.
Bounce around
Blazer Village features multiple bounce houses and inflatables that are sure to entertain the kids. Bounce houses include obstacle courses, slides, skill challenges and more.
“The bounce houses are a great way to exert some energy before we head into the game,” Chapleau said. “Our kids always enjoy this part of Blazer Village.”
Blazer Village inflatable activities also are free.
Blazer face painting
Children can show their team spirit with green and gold face painting that takes place at Blazer Village. Transform into Blaze or don your favorite green and gold butterfly. Face painting is the perfect way for kids to show their Blazer spirit.
Cheer on the Blazers
Coach Bill Clark and the UAB football players can be cheered on at Blazer Walk as they head into the stadium with the support of the Marching Blazers, Cheerleaders, Golden Girls and fans. This takes place two hours before kickoff near Blazer Village. Grab a high five from your favorite player and sing along to Blazer Victory to pump up the team as they take the field.
“Our fans have been vital to our success at Legion Field, and we are so appreciative of their support,” said Bill Clark, head coach of UAB Football. “It makes a huge difference to our players to have big crowds each and every Saturday, and UAB Athletics has done a tremendous job of making sure there is something for everyone at Legion Field. We want to make Saturdays at Legion Field an unforgettable experience, and creating an atmosphere such as Blazer Village is a major asset to the gameday experience.”
For a full list of happenings on Blazer Gamedays, visit www.blazergameday.com.