The unofficial online home for fans of the UAB Blazers. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

No one is saying that Legion Field in its present state is the most desirable place for UAB fans to go to watch their FB team play. What is also true though is that the massive funding a replacement in the same size is not available in the city - nor is any other city building such a facility "on their own dime" alone. An outdoor stadium of the same size and attendance capacity will be good for only football, maybe soccer or lacrosse, but of no use for conventions. Without the convention element included, the city is not going to build any kind of stadium just for fan amenities. As far as the Crossplex and Regions Park, I don't know the comparative costs of them matched against the MPF or an "in kind" replacement for Legion Field. Maybe a pro builder like AttallaBlazer could speak to that issue. My impression is that both together would not come close to the MPF as designed. What I am saying is that the city needs to build that MPF in a size that gives it a chance to entice large several day duration conventions that now go unchallenged to cities like Atlanta.

Quote:What I am saying is that the city needs to build that MPF in a size that gives it a chance to entice large several day duration conventions that now go unchallenged to cities like Atlanta.

The FACILITY is only part of the equation: Birmingham also lacks a viable entertainment district and a business ethos that keep restaurants open after 8 p.m. I wish I was exaggerating that last for effect.

(06-13-2013 07:38 AM)58-56 Wrote:  

Quote:What I am saying is that the city needs to build that MPF in a size that gives it a chance to entice large several day duration conventions that now go unchallenged to cities like Atlanta.

The FACILITY is only part of the equation: Birmingham also lacks a viable entertainment district and a business ethos that keep restaurants open after 8 p.m. I wish I was exaggerating that last for effect.

Entertainment District? What's the status of the one slated to open sometime this spring near the Civic Center? I've not had a chance to drive by and see what it looks like in weeks, and there's been no word of mouth from anyone I know about it at all.

(06-13-2013 07:45 AM)Matrix Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:38 AM)58-56 Wrote:  

Quote:What I am saying is that the city needs to build that MPF in a size that gives it a chance to entice large several day duration conventions that now go unchallenged to cities like Atlanta.

The FACILITY is only part of the equation: Birmingham also lacks a viable entertainment district and a business ethos that keep restaurants open after 8 p.m. I wish I was exaggerating that last for effect.

Entertainment District? What's the status of the one slated to open sometime this spring near the Civic Center? I've not had a chance to drive by and see what it looks like in weeks, and there's been no word of mouth from anyone I know about it at all.

Couple of restaurants open and a couple of others in process. Still a ways to go. Looks nice, though. Needs constant visitors to really get it moving, though. If MPF was approved the place would explode. There is also the ongoing controversy(?) regarding the lowering of I-20/59 and the impact it would have on local businesses, downtown, and local residents. Not sure the area could handle (re)contruction of the interstate and the construction of a MPF at the same time...

@BNBF: Regions Field: $60 Million....CrossPlex: $55 Million (guesstimate)...Thanks again for your offerings, man, always enjoy reading what's on your mind. Look, I'm not denying that the MPF would be an absolute major breakthrough for this city, & for years, I've wanted to see it built, but it's taken so damn long and doesn't seem to be gaining any momentum, even though there's an obvious need for this facility, and both proponents and opponents alike know this as fact. But since it's going to benefit Birmingham in a favorable way, the "fangs" come out yet again. I'm just not very encouraged that it's going to happen in our lifetime.

(06-13-2013 07:51 AM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:45 AM)Matrix Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:38 AM)58-56 Wrote:  

Quote:What I am saying is that the city needs to build that MPF in a size that gives it a chance to entice large several day duration conventions that now go unchallenged to cities like Atlanta.

The FACILITY is only part of the equation: Birmingham also lacks a viable entertainment district and a business ethos that keep restaurants open after 8 p.m. I wish I was exaggerating that last for effect.

Entertainment District? What's the status of the one slated to open sometime this spring near the Civic Center? I've not had a chance to drive by and see what it looks like in weeks, and there's been no word of mouth from anyone I know about it at all.

Couple of restaurants open and a couple of others in process. Still a ways to go. Looks nice, though. Needs constant visitors to really get it moving, though. If MPF was approved the place would explode. There is also the ongoing controversy(?) regarding the lowering of I-20/59 and the impact it would have on local businesses, downtown, and local residents. Not sure the area could handle (re)contruction of the interstate and the construction of a MPF at the same time...

I know about the Todd English Pub at the Westin, but what is the second restaurant?

IMHO the entertainment district is DOA, as they are having a hard time finding any tennants.

(06-13-2013 08:33 AM)backyardblazer Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:51 AM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:45 AM)Matrix Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:38 AM)58-56 Wrote:  

Quote:What I am saying is that the city needs to build that MPF in a size that gives it a chance to entice large several day duration conventions that now go unchallenged to cities like Atlanta.

The FACILITY is only part of the equation: Birmingham also lacks a viable entertainment district and a business ethos that keep restaurants open after 8 p.m. I wish I was exaggerating that last for effect.

Entertainment District? What's the status of the one slated to open sometime this spring near the Civic Center? I've not had a chance to drive by and see what it looks like in weeks, and there's been no word of mouth from anyone I know about it at all.

Couple of restaurants open and a couple of others in process. Still a ways to go. Looks nice, though. Needs constant visitors to really get it moving, though. If MPF was approved the place would explode. There is also the ongoing controversy(?) regarding the lowering of I-20/59 and the impact it would have on local businesses, downtown, and local residents. Not sure the area could handle (re)contruction of the interstate and the construction of a MPF at the same time...

I know about the Todd English Pub at the Westin, but what is the second restaurant?

IMHO the entertainment district is DOA, as they are having a hard time finding any tennants.

TEXAS DE BRAZIL
http://www.uptownbham.com/news/texas-de-...-location/

From the owners The Ivy(Atlanta) and downtown Nashville eatery South
http://www.uptownbham.com/news/ivy-resta...cc-uptown/

Like the Tood English Pub and the new Octane coffee Shop is technically in the Westin. Supposedly they(entertainment district management) are shying away from commonplace/franchise eateries in favor of more unique(upscale?) restaurants.


While there are challenges the district is far from dead (but far from full, as well). The biggest knocks from conventioneers regarding Birmingham was the lack of restaurants and entertainment within walking distant of the Sheraton and, for larger conventions, the lack of adequate hotel rooms(in numbers). The Westin added enough rooms to get to the 1000 room threshold that conventions seek. The district would add the dining and entertainment aspect. I think there will be a live entertainment aspect to at least 1 of the new restaurants. It'll take time but, eventually and if everything is done right rather than fast, it'll be fine...

(06-13-2013 07:51 AM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:45 AM)Matrix Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:38 AM)58-56 Wrote:  

Quote:What I am saying is that the city needs to build that MPF in a size that gives it a chance to entice large several day duration conventions that now go unchallenged to cities like Atlanta.

The FACILITY is only part of the equation: Birmingham also lacks a viable entertainment district and a business ethos that keep restaurants open after 8 p.m. I wish I was exaggerating that last for effect.

Entertainment District? What's the status of the one slated to open sometime this spring near the Civic Center? I've not had a chance to drive by and see what it looks like in weeks, and there's been no word of mouth from anyone I know about it at all.

Couple of restaurants open and a couple of others in process. Still a ways to go. Looks nice, though. Needs constant visitors to really get it moving, though. If MPF was approved the place would explode. There is also the ongoing controversy(?) regarding the lowering of I-20/59 and the impact it would have on local businesses, downtown, and local residents. Not sure the area could handle (re)contruction of the interstate and the construction of a MPF at the same time...

ALDOT strikes again!

(06-13-2013 07:38 AM)58-56 Wrote:  

Quote:What I am saying is that the city needs to build that MPF in a size that gives it a chance to entice large several day duration conventions that now go unchallenged to cities like Atlanta.

The FACILITY is only part of the equation: Birmingham also lacks a viable entertainment district and a business ethos that keep restaurants open after 8 p.m. I wish I was exaggerating that last for effect.

That is true now, but it may also be a case of "Build it and they will come". Which came first in Las Vegas, casinos or world class restaurants and big name shows? I believe the entertainment / restaurant folks will respond, as free enterprise folks usually do, to provide what the traffic demands. Right now we have the present BJCC capabilities to work with. If we can get the MPF up and running, we will see a lot of people taking advantage of the business opportunities it offers.

(06-13-2013 10:18 AM)BAMANBLAZERFAN Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:38 AM)58-56 Wrote:  

Quote:What I am saying is that the city needs to build that MPF in a size that gives it a chance to entice large several day duration conventions that now go unchallenged to cities like Atlanta.

The FACILITY is only part of the equation: Birmingham also lacks a viable entertainment district and a business ethos that keep restaurants open after 8 p.m. I wish I was exaggerating that last for effect.

That is true now, but it may also be a case of "Build it and they will come". Which came first in Las Vegas, casinos or world class restaurants and big name shows? I believe the entertainment / restaurant folks will respond, as free enterprise folks usually do, to provide what the traffic demands. Right now we have the present BJCC capabilities to work with. If we can get the MPF up and running, we will see a lot of people taking advantage of the business opportunities it offers.

Are you saying we're getting casinos in the 'Ham?

Now we really do need that MPF.

(06-13-2013 08:53 AM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 08:33 AM)backyardblazer Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:51 AM)WesternBlazer Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:45 AM)Matrix Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:38 AM)58-56 Wrote:  The FACILITY is only part of the equation: Birmingham also lacks a viable entertainment district and a business ethos that keep restaurants open after 8 p.m. I wish I was exaggerating that last for effect.

Entertainment District? What's the status of the one slated to open sometime this spring near the Civic Center? I've not had a chance to drive by and see what it looks like in weeks, and there's been no word of mouth from anyone I know about it at all.

Couple of restaurants open and a couple of others in process. Still a ways to go. Looks nice, though. Needs constant visitors to really get it moving, though. If MPF was approved the place would explode. There is also the ongoing controversy(?) regarding the lowering of I-20/59 and the impact it would have on local businesses, downtown, and local residents. Not sure the area could handle (re)contruction of the interstate and the construction of a MPF at the same time...

I know about the Todd English Pub at the Westin, but what is the second restaurant?

IMHO the entertainment district is DOA, as they are having a hard time finding any tennants.

TEXAS DE BRAZIL
http://www.uptownbham.com/news/texas-de-...-location/

From the owners The Ivy(Atlanta) and downtown Nashville eatery South
http://www.uptownbham.com/news/ivy-resta...cc-uptown/

Like the Tood English Pub and the new Octane coffee Shop is technically in the Westin. Supposedly they(entertainment district management) are shying away from commonplace/franchise eateries in favor of more unique(upscale?) restaurants.


While there are challenges the district is far from dead (but far from full, as well). The biggest knocks from conventioneers regarding Birmingham was the lack of restaurants and entertainment within walking distant of the Sheraton and, for larger conventions, the lack of adequate hotel rooms(in numbers). The Westin added enough rooms to get to the 1000 room threshold that conventions seek. The district would add the dining and entertainment aspect. I think there will be a live entertainment aspect to at least 1 of the new restaurants. It'll take time but, eventually and if everything is done right rather than fast, it'll be fine...

I knew about the other "signed" tennants, but was told by a comercial real estate broker that they had "occupancy clausses" in these leases and that the BJCC has not met those clausses.

I hope that the entertainment district gets off the ground and is around for a hundred years. Just doesn't seem to be panning out.

(06-13-2013 04:11 PM)backyardblazer Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 10:18 AM)BAMANBLAZERFAN Wrote:  

(06-13-2013 07:38 AM)58-56 Wrote:  

Quote:What I am saying is that the city needs to build that MPF in a size that gives it a chance to entice large several day duration conventions that now go unchallenged to cities like Atlanta.

The FACILITY is only part of the equation: Birmingham also lacks a viable entertainment district and a business ethos that keep restaurants open after 8 p.m. I wish I was exaggerating that last for effect.

That is true now, but it may also be a case of "Build it and they will come". Which came first in Las Vegas, casinos or world class restaurants and big name shows? I believe the entertainment / restaurant folks will respond, as free enterprise folks usually do, to provide what the traffic demands. Right now we have the present BJCC capabilities to work with. If we can get the MPF up and running, we will see a lot of people taking advantage of the business opportunities it offers.

Are you saying we're getting casinos in the 'Ham?

Now we really do need that MPF.

The only casinos likely to be built in Jeffco would be if we could find a tribe of Native Americans who used to live here and want to make lots of state tax free money like those the Poarch Creeks have in South Alabama. I believe the only choice here is whether the citizens will pay all the needed funds though (higher?) local taxes or whether we will build something (like the MPF) that brings other taxpayers (visiting conventioneers) to the metroarea so we don't have to do it all ourselves.

We have already shut down the County Nursing Home and have turned the County Hospital into a "Doc in the box" like AFC. Maybe next we will have "Volunteer police Dept" like we now have several "Volunteer fire Dept." as well as Volunteer Road & Bridge maintenance crews and Volunteer Sanitation workers and building inspectors. The possibilities are many for having the "something for nothing - from me" crowd make our decisions.