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Alan Alexander ‏@BhamHealthTech 2h2 hours ago
Smith said athletics fundraising committee planning $150M stadium with 45K seats north of @BJCC for @UABFootball2017 as lead tenant

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In addition to the $15 million football practice facility in the works on campus, that vision includes a long-discussed 45,000-seat stadium located just north of the Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.

No official plan or construction cost has been unveiled by BJCC officials or the city of Birmingham, but Smith said funding for the stadium would likely be raised through a public-private partnership, possibly with the city's banking industry. UAB has previously said it would be a tenant in the stadium, but wouldn't shoulder the financial burden of building it.

The goal is to have UAB playing in the new stadium by August 2018, Smith said.

"The whole north side is going to explode. Our city is going to be what we make it. The vision for UAB football is no longer UAB football, it's all about Birmingham. Why should we cede to Atlanta or Nashville? We should take control of our community and build this. We have the greatest opportunity."

I have a serious mancrush on Hatton Smith.

Bromance

This is why I think UAB can become a player in realignment discussions if there is a firm commitment soon on the stadium. While not ours to own it is virtually ours and becomes in and of itself a huge recruiting tool. There won't be a G5 program with a nicer stadium than this one will be.

If we don't get taken in realignment by AAC or elsewhere and we remain in CUSA, I predict UAB will become the dominant team in CUSA provided Clark stays and this stadium comes to fruition.

(03-09-2016 05:36 PM)Blazer85 Wrote:  This is why I think UAB can become a player in realignment discussions if there is a firm commitment soon on the stadium. While not ours to own it is virtually ours and becomes in and of itself a huge recruiting tool. There won't be a G5 program with a nicer stadium than this one will be.

If we don't get taken in realignment by AAC or elsewhere and we remain in CUSA, I predict UAB will become the dominant team in CUSA provided Clark stays and this stadium comes to fruition.

UAB will not be a major player in realignment unless the stench of mistrust with the BOT and Watts can be erased.

(03-09-2016 06:01 PM)BamaScorpio69 Wrote:  

(03-09-2016 05:36 PM)Blazer85 Wrote:  This is why I think UAB can become a player in realignment discussions if there is a firm commitment soon on the stadium. While not ours to own it is virtually ours and becomes in and of itself a huge recruiting tool. There won't be a G5 program with a nicer stadium than this one will be.

If we don't get taken in realignment by AAC or elsewhere and we remain in CUSA, I predict UAB will become the dominant team in CUSA provided Clark stays and this stadium comes to fruition.

UAB will not be a major player in realignment unless the stench of mistrust with the BOT and Watts can be erased.

That's why I think a $15 million football specific building, practice field and $150 million stadium will establish UABs commitment to football now. Sure some could argue whether or not we are legitimately serious about it but I think those numbers speak to it. And although we aren't directly investing in the $150 million stadium, it makes a huge difference in those looking at our willingness to commit to football.

With facilities, on the court - field success, and BUTTS IN THE SEATS, I have been told we will be a major player. I am pleasantly surprised how much support we are getting now that a certain someone is gone. Not saying it's all perfect and rosy but support has never been better in our history as it is right now IMHO. We still need to remain alert and vigilant but I like where we are headed.

(03-09-2016 06:25 PM)ATTALLABLAZE Wrote:  With facilities, on the court - field success, and BUTTS IN THE SEATS, I have been told we will be a major player. I am pleasantly surprised how much support we are getting now that a certain someone is gone. Not saying it's all perfect and rosy but support has never been better in our history as it is right now IMHO. We still need to remain alert and vigilant but I like where we are headed.

Truly addition by subtraction. I think we have a new picture target for the urinals in the new stadium

(03-09-2016 07:08 PM)biglizard Wrote:  

(03-09-2016 06:25 PM)ATTALLABLAZE Wrote:  With facilities, on the court - field success, and BUTTS IN THE SEATS, I have been told we will be a major player. I am pleasantly surprised how much support we are getting now that a certain someone is gone. Not saying it's all perfect and rosy but support has never been better in our history as it is right now IMHO. We still need to remain alert and vigilant but I like where we are headed.

Truly addition by subtraction. I think we have a new picture target for the urinals in the new stadium

Double targets