50 YEARS OF MEMORIES
Legacy Arena has been the heart of Birmingham’s biggest moments for 50 years. From legendary concerts and championship games to family shows and community celebrations, it’s a place where generations have laughed, cheered, connected, and created memories that last a lifetime. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we honor the moments that shaped our legacy and look ahead to the next 50 years of unforgettable experiences.
OUR HISTORY
In March 1972, Birmingham broke ground on the BJCC Coliseum, now known as Legacy Arena. The venue officially opened in April 1976, debuting with a Birmingham Bulls hockey game before welcoming Holiday on Ice, Seals and Croft and John Denver during its first year. The Coliseum served as the Birmingham Bulls’ home until 1978, when it also became the home court for UAB men’s basketball until the team moved to Bartow Arena in 1988.
From its earliest years, the Coliseum quickly established itself as one of the Southeast’s premier live music venues. Throughout the late 1970s and beyond, the venue’s reputation grew, attracting an extraordinary lineup of legendary performers, including KISS, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Billy Joel, and The Eagles.
Over the following decades, the Coliseum continued to host historic performances by some of the most influential artists in music history, including Prince, Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Metallica, Janet Jackson, Céline Dion, Elton John, George Strait, R.E.M. with Radiohead, Grateful Dead, Alan Jackson, Tina Turner, and Jimmy Buffett. Together, these performances helped cement the venue’s reputation as a cornerstone of Birmingham’s live entertainment legacy.
In February 1999, the facility was renamed the BJCC Arena. Improvements over the years included the opening of the BJCC Arena Club, the installation of 119,000 square feet of acoustic panels to enhance sound quality, and the addition of a 150-foot skywalk connecting the Arena to the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.
On January 1, 2015, the venue became Legacy Arena at the BJCC following a naming rights agreement with Legacy Credit Union. A $125 million renovation and modernization project began in 2020, transforming the Arena with a new main entrance and plaza, 15,000 new seats, upgraded sound and lighting systems, new suites, expanded concessions and restrooms, improved accessibility, and an enlarged loading dock. Legacy Arena reopened on December 3, 2021, and today serves as the home of the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League, while continuing its long tradition of hosting world-class sports and live entertainment.
NCAA Tournament Returns
The 2023 NCAA March Madness Men’s Basketball Tournament returns to Birmingham in March 2023 at Legacy Arena. Magic City residents and visitors from across the nation cheer on teams from Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Maryland, West Virginia, Northern Kentucky, and Houston.
City Walk BHAM Opens
City Walk BHAM, a 10-block space beneath the I-59/20 corridor, officially opens in Summer 2022 to connect the city like never before. Pickleball courts, dog parks, skatepark, and more comprise 31 acres of outdoor space for local get-togethers and community events.
Inaugural Concert at Protective Stadium
Garth Brooks plays to a sold-out crowd of over 50,000 fans for the first concert at Protective Stadium on June 4, 2022.
First Concert at Newly-Modernized Legacy Arena
Trans-Siberian Orchestra plays to a sold out crowd on December 15, 2021. This is the first concert back in Legacy Arena since completing the modernization.
First Event at Newly-Modernized Legacy Arena
On December 5, 2021, the Birmingham Squadron, an NBA G League team, plays its first home game of the season at Legacy Arena.
First Event at Protective Stadium
The 47,100-seat facility officially opens on October 2, 2021, as the new home of UAB Blazers football with the Blazers taking on the Liberty Flames.
Legacy Arena Modernization Begins
Legacy Arena begins extensive modernization in April 2020. These updates will include 15,000 new seats, new lighting system, new sound system, new club levels for socializing, new audience suites, new artist suites, new locker rooms, and new concessions outlets.
Groundbreaking of Protective Stadium
Construction begins on Uptown’s brand new football stadium in December 2018.
Entertainment District Approval
On March 17, 2015 the Birmingham City Council approves the Uptown Entertainment District to become the city’s “first entertainment district,” allowing visitors to carry alcoholic beverages outside.
Uptown Entertainment District
The Westin Birmingham Hotel opens February 14, 2013. Restaurants and shops begin opening throughout 2013 and 2014 in Uptown.
CALL FOR MEMORABILIA
Calling all collectors! Help us celebrate Legacy Arena at the BJCC’s 50th Anniversary by sharing your event memorabilia and collectibles. Click on the button below for more information.