4 huge sporting events in Birmingham, including the NCAA Indoor Track Championships, March 8-10

This coming weekend, March 8-10,  will be huge for sports fans throughout the Birmingham metro area.  The Magic City will be hosting four major sporting events, including the NCAA Division I Indoor Track National Championship at the Crossplex and the inaugural game of the Birmingham Legion FC.

Let’s check them out.

NCAA Division I Indoor Track National Championship – March 8-9

When Birmingham built the Crossplex less than a decade ago, it was billed as a world class facility that would attract regional and national track and field events. This weekend, Crossplex fulfills that promise when it hosts the 2019 NCAA Division I Indoor National Championship. A two day event starting on Friday morning, March 8th, fans can watch both men and women competitions. There will be 17 events ranging from the 60 meter dash to pole vaulting. Tickets are still available and affordable.

If you can’t make it to the meet, ESPN3 will stream the championships live starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time March 8 and starting at 5 p.m. Eastern time March 9. A re-air of the championship will take place starting at 10 p.m. Eastern time Sunday, March 10 on ESPN2 and again Monday, March 11 starting at 10 p.m. Eastern time on ESPNU.

Inaugural Birmingham Legion Football Club Game – March 9

After an 18 month wait, the Birmingham Legion Football Club will launch its inaugural season Saturday night, March 9th, 6:00pm at BBVA Compass Field on the UAB campus.  It will be a “Steel Town” Classic with our Legion FC taking on Pennsylvania’s  Bethlehem Steel (Buy single game day tickets).

Even though kickoff is at 6:00, tailgating begins at Bessie Estille Park at noon, pregame gathering at the Plaza at 4:00 and the march to the supporters section at 5:30.

Since this is the first game, the most important issue  is where to park?  Try the new app — Clutch!

The Clutch! app is a peer-to-peer parking and tailgating marketplace connecting sports fans to sellers offering privately-held parking spaces near the stadium. Legion and Clutch! have partnered to provide a digital parking solution for season passholders and fans attending games. Try it out!

Birmingham Iron plays Orlando at Legion Field – March 9

Before the Birmingham Legion FC game, take in the Birmingham Iron’s home game against Orlando Apollos.  For Alabama fans, see Steve Spurrier coach at Legion Field, the site of one of his most memorable games –  the 1992 SEC Championship game when Alabama did this….

This is a critical home game.  Support the Iron. The game begins at 1:00 on March 9th.  Purchase your tickets – HERE.

BUSA Red Diamond Cup Girls Soccer Tournament – March 8-10

Last, but not least – if you see a lot of girls in soccer uniforms and shin guards at the Summit or the Galleria on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it is because the Red Diamond Classic hosted by the Birmingham United Soccer Club is in town .  Over 130 girl teams, ages 9 to 17 will be participating.

This particular soccer tournament is considered one of the most competitive in the South.  It is also an economic boon for Birmingham.

Weather Forecast

This all might change, but according to the Weather Channel’s 5 day forecast, we might get some rain on Saturday.  Come prepared.