BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex is once again the city’s top draw for downtown visitors, far surpassing other sites to create a vibrant community and boost the local economy, a new report shows.
In the first half of 2025 alone, the BJCC drew 787,100 visits, according to the latest Downtown Birmingham Economic Vitality Report from REV Birmingham.
“The BJCC continues to be a tremendous asset for Birmingham and Jefferson County,” said Tad Snider, CEO of the BJCC. “Our venues are more than event spaces—they are places where our community comes together, where memories are made, and where visitors from across the region are inspired to experience Birmingham. Each event strengthens our city’s economy and helps build a more vibrant future.”
The 1st and 2nd quarter visits at landmarks with the highest traffic:
- The BJCC — 787,100
- City Walk BHAM — 562,500
- Railroad Park — 162,200
- Regions Field — 141,400
City Walk BHAM, owned by the Alabama Department of Transportation and managed by the BJCC, had the largest year-over-year increase, more than doubling visitors from 273,800 during the same period last year. Visitor counts are provided by Placer.ai, which measures activity from tourists, residents, and employees. These figures do not include the Coca-Cola Amphitheater, which is tracked separately.
According to REV, Birmingham’s largest surges of activity in the first half of 2025 were all tied to BJCC events. Each of the five busiest days downtown drew more than 124,000 visits, fueled by blockbuster concerts, championships, and family entertainment at BJCC venues:
- Saturday, May 3 (132,367 visits) – Lil Wayne @ Legacy Arena, Cinco de Mayo festivities
- Saturday, March 22 (131,728 visits) – SEC Women’s Gymnastics Championship @ Legacy Arena; AMA Supercross Championship @ Protective Stadium*
- Saturday, February 1 (126,576 visits) – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present The Greatest Show on Earth @ Legacy Arena
- Friday, February 28 (124,606 visits) – AHSAA Basketball State Finals @ Legacy Arena; The Donna Summer Musical @ Red Mountain Theatre
- Saturday, March 29 (124,287 visits) – Monster Jam @ Protective Stadium; NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional @ Legacy Arena; Les Misérables (two sold-out performances) @ BJCC Concert Hall*
*In addition to the events reflected in the dataset, downtown visitation was further enhanced by the AMA Supercross Championship on March 22 and two sold-out performances of Les Misérables on March 29, both of which added to the vitality and diversity of Birmingham’s entertainment offerings.
Although the first half of the year saw downtown’s busiest days, the report shows that venues like the BJCC remain strong even in traditionally slower months. In December, the BJCC drew 84,400 visits, with additional strong attendance at the Alabama Theatre (30,000), Red Mountain Theatre (9,500), and the Lyric Theatre (6,800).
“While we always see a lot of excitement around big-name events and large crowds, the true measure of success lies in delivering outstanding experiences of all sizes,” Snider said. “Whether you are attending a national championship, a conference, or enjoying time at City Walk BHAM, our goal is to make every encounter with the BJCC the very best.”
REV Birmingham’s Downtown Economic Vitality Report is released twice a year, based on data from an area between Interstate 65 and Red Mountain Expressway, stretching roughly from the BJCC to Five Points South.
“This report shines a light on the ripple effect the BJCC has across Birmingham,” said Michael Keel, president of the BJCC board of directors. “When our venues are full, hotels are busier, restaurants see more guests, and our neighborhoods feel the energy. The BJCC isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about creating momentum that lifts the entire community, and we’re proud to help lead that effort.”
About BJCC
The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) is Alabama’s premier sports, convention, and entertainment center. It is home to three exhibition halls and meeting space offering 380,000 square feet for trade shows, consumer shows, exhibitions, and meetings. The BJCC is home to sports and entertainment venues including a concert hall, stadium, and the state’s largest arena. The BJCC campus also includes the Uptown Entertainment District, The Westin Birmingham Hotel and Alabama’s largest hotel, the 497-room Sheraton Birmingham. The BJCC has also partnered with Live Nation to open the new 9,380-seat Coca-Cola Amphitheater. Visit bjcc.org for more information.
