Future of Birmingham’s Legion Field uncertain; renovate, repair or replace

Legion Field. Via Stanley Robinson. Future of Birmingham's Legion Field uncertain; renovate, repair or replace
More recent view of Legion Field. Via- Stanley Robinson:Provided.

90 years ago one of the first games played at Legion Field in Birmingham was the Tide facing Georgia. Here we are nine decades later, the rivalries are still as fierce as ever, but the stadium that hosted that game, is facing an uncertain future.

1930 UGA STUB Future of Birmingham's Legion Field uncertain; renovate, repair or replace
Via-www.prideofthetide.com.

The city council and the new mayor are grappling with a choice it seems.

Will Legion Field eventually get the $30 million for the 5-year (2018-2023) capital budget for Legion Field? That’s just part of the proposed $100 million plan to redevelop the Smithfield community.

Legion Field
Legion Field in the 1930’s. Via- www.prideofthetide.com.

90-year-old Legion Field has quite a history. Countless Alabama and Auburn fans cheered on their teams in the Iron Bowl from 1948 to 1988, and then every other year until 1999 at Legion Field. In 1996, 86,000 fans filled the stadium to watch an opening-round soccer match in the Olympics. Legion Field is where The Bear passed Amos Alonzo Stagg as college football’s all-time winningest coach.

legion now Future of Birmingham's Legion Field uncertain; renovate, repair or replace
A more recent Legion Field . Via-
www.postandcourier.com.

City Councilor William Parker wants to think outside of the box when considering future plans for Legion Field. He proposes that the city buys the surrounding properties, creating green-spaces for attendees to enjoy. Parker believes the creation of park like green-spaces will create a destination that would be visited and used even when games aren’t being played.

ol Future of Birmingham's Legion Field uncertain; renovate, repair or replace
Legion Field.

The proposed Legion Field renovations would include upgraded bleachers, new restrooms, improved parking lots, a new paint job for the entire stadium, and sky box upgrades.

And then there is the success of our UAB Blazers…

The UAB football program had a spectacular 2017 return season. The Blazers won all of their home games, plus they led the Conference USA in home attendance. The idea of building a new state-of-the-art sports facility, for the Blazers to play in, is on the minds of many.

UAB LFS Future of Birmingham's Legion Field uncertain; renovate, repair or replace
UAB Blazer’s Football. Via-
www.birminghamal.gov.

While the decision to upgrade Legion Field is on hold until more community input and research is completed, many are maintaining the time for a NEW stadium is NOW. A growing opinion is that Birmingham needs to look to the future, to compete with other large cities by building a state-of-the-art sports facility.

new stadium Future of Birmingham's Legion Field uncertain; renovate, repair or replace
Proposed new stadium. Via- www.bloximages.com.
Where do you stand on the issue? Join the Bham Now conversation.
Cameron Balentine
Cameron Balentine
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