The Impact of the BJCC in Birmingham, AL
The BJCC is more than just a venue for conventions and trade shows. As a central gathering spot, it’s a hub for the Birmingham community, hosting a variety of events, including concerts, Broadway shows, local meetings, banquets, and educational, cultural, religious, and social functions that cater to all members of the community. Additionally, the BJCC hosts popular consumer events like the World Deer Expo, the Christmas Village Festival, and the Birmingham Boat Show, which draw in thousands of visitors annually.
The answer is simple. The BJCC is responsible for creating millions of dollars in economic benefit, hundreds of jobs, and improving the quality of life for all Birmingham residents. Spending associated with BJCC events has a positive impact on all sectors of the local economy, supporting jobs region-wide. These jobs are not only limited to the hospitality sector, but also extend to diverse sectors such as agriculture, durable goods manufacturing, and construction.
The BJCC’s primary objective is to attract events, conventions and meetings that will generate economic benefits for the region. When event tourists visit Birmingham, they create economic activity that ripples throughout our region, benefitting not only the city but the entire area. We’re proud to be the premier entertainment destination in Alabama!
Architect George W. Qualls is Selected
George W. Qualls of Geddes, Brecher, Qualls and Cunningham of Philadelphia, PA is named the BJCC design winner.
Groundbreaking of BJCC Complex
Groundbreaking begins on the Exhibition Hall in July 1969, followed by the construction of the Concert Hall, Theatre, and Coliseum.
Groundbreaking of Coliseum
Groundbreaking begins on the BJCC Coliseum on July 1, 1974.
Concert Hall & Theatre Opening
The BJCC Concert Hall and Theatre officially open on October 3, 1974 and have a 10-day span of celebratory opening festivities between both venues. These events include performances by the Birmingham Ballet, Birmingham Civic Chorus, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, a dedication to the 1,135-pipe Schlicker pipe organ, and more.
Coliseum & Piazza Completion
The BJCC Coliseum & Piazza are officially complete in Summer 1976.
BJCC Coliseum Construction Complete
After two years of construction, the BJCC Coliseum is officially complete.
BJCC Coliseum Opens to Public
The Birmingham Bulls take on the Atlanta Flames in the first-ever event at the BJCC Coliseum.
Holiday On Ice Returns to Birmingham
Holiday on Ice returns to Birmingham after a two-year hiatus, becoming the second event held at the BJCC Coliseum.
BJCC Coliseum’s First Concert
John Denver takes the stage on November 19, 1976, marking one of the very first concerts at the BJCC Coliseum.
UAB Men’s Basketball Call Coliseum Home
The BJCC Coliseum becomes the home of the UAB Men’s Basketball team.
South Hall Construction
Construction begins on the South Exhibition Hall in early 1979.
Birmingham Bulls Last Game
The Birmingham Bulls play their last game at the BJCC Colliseum before the World Hockey Association ceases operations in 1979.
South Hall Completion
The BJCC South Exhibition Hall is completed in 1982.
UAB Men’s Basketball Leave Coliseum
The UAB Men’s Basketball team leaves the BJCC Coliseum and makes Bartow Arena their new home.
East Hall Construction
Construction begins on the East Exhibition Hall and Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in late 1990.
East Hall & ASHOF Completion
The BJCC East Exhibition Hall and Alabama Sports Hall of Fame are complete in 1992.
BJCC Coliseum Name Change
A new era begins as the BJCC Coliseum becomes the BJCC Arena.
BJCC Arena Home to Birmingham Steeldogs
The BJCC Arena becomes home to the Birmingham Steeldogs, an Arena Football League (AF2) team. Photos courtesy: Gene Crowley
Alabama Steeldogs Final Game
The Alabama Steeldogs, formerly known as Birmingham Steeldogs, play their final game at the BJCC Arena before the AF2 league dissolves. Photos courtesy of Gene Crowley
Arena Club Premium Lounge Opens
The Arena Club opens, offering a lounge for ticket holders with direct access to the Arena floor.
Construction of Uptown
In September 2011, the Uptown Entertainment District and the Westin Birmingham hotel begin construction.
Uptown Entertainment District
The Westin Birmingham Hotel opens February 14, 2013. Restaurants and shops begin opening throughout 2013 and 2014 in Uptown.
New Partnership, New Name for BJCC Arena
BJCC Arena becomes Legacy Arena through a partnership with Legacy Credit Union.
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.
Groundbreaking of Protective Stadium
Construction begins on Uptown’s brand new football stadium in December 2018.
Legacy Arena Modernization Begins
Legacy Arena begins an extensive modernization project in April 2020, adding 15,000 new seats, upgraded lighting and sound systems, new club levels, suites, locker rooms, and concession outlets.
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.
Birmingham Squadron Call Legacy Arena Home
The Birmingham Squadron play their first home game, marking the first event in the modernized arena and making Legacy Arena their new home.
First Concert at Modernized Arena
Trans-Siberian Orchestra performs to a sold-out crowd in the first concert at Legacy Arena since its modernization.
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.
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.
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.
Record-Breaking Run for Zach Bryan
Zach Bryan’s two sold-out shows at Legacy Arena become the highest-grossing engagement in the BJCC’s 50-year history, generating $5.7 million and setting a new merchandise sales record of $1.1 million.
P!NK’s Sold-Out Show Breaks Record
P!NK’s sold-out show breaks the record for the highest-grossing engagement by a female artist in the BJCC’s 50-year history.
Shane Gillis Breaks Comedy Record
Comedian Shane Gillis breaks the record for the highest-selling comedy show in Legacy Arena’s 50-year history, with 16,344 tickets sold.
New Edition Breaks Tour Record
The New Edition Way Tour breaks the record for the highest-grossing R&B/Hip-Hop tour, ranks #4 among all concerts and becomes the #5 highest-grossing tour across all genres in Legacy Arena’s 50-year history.
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss out on our upcoming events at BJCC! From concerts and shows to conventions and sporting events, we have something for everyone. Book your tickets now and experience the best entertainment in Alabama!