Hoopin’ at the Hill + 2 other ways to celebrate UAB’s 50th anniversary with Homecoming 2019 from Oct. 17th-19th

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Blaze the Dragon
Blaze the Dragon leads the parade to Legion Field. Photo submitted.

It’s the University of Alabama at Birmingham‘s birthday! 50 years ago, UAB officially became its own university. Since its such a special year, UAB will be celebrating Homecoming from October 17th to October 19th–and you’re invited!

50 years of University of Alabama at Birmingham

volker uas Hoopin' at the Hill + 2 other ways to celebrate UAB's 50th anniversary with Homecoming 2019 from Oct. 17th-19th
UAB becomes an autonomous university on June 16th, 1969. Photo via UAB Archives.

In 1969, the University of Alabama at Birmingham became an autonomous institution. Since then, UAB has grown to be an essential thread in the Birmingham fabric. The UAB population has grown each of the past four years, with 22,080 students enrolled in 2019. Additionally, UAB is the largest research institution in the state of Alabama and is the largest single employer in the state.

Since UAB is such an important piece of Birmingham, they are inviting the entire community to their 50th birthday celebration. Check out these three fun ways you can celebrate UAB’s impact on Birmingham.

1) Meet the men’s and women’s basketball Blazers at Hoops at the Hill

UAB Basketball
Blaze the Dragon busting a move at Hoops at the Hill! Photo submitted.
  • When: Thursday, October 17 at 5PM
  • Where: Outside the Hill Student Center, 1400 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL

It’s hard to believe, but basketball season is almost here! In order to get fans jazzed up for the season, UAB is hosting Hoops at the Hill as a preview of the upcoming season. These are some of the awesome features of the event!

  • Fan Fest: From 5PM-7PM, fans can get autographs by the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Additionally, there are interactive games and food trucks!
  • Tipoff: At 7PM, the men’s and women’s basketball teams will officially begin their 2019 season!
  • Meet the team: Fans can meet the team, hear from the coaches, and enjoy a 3-point contest and a dunk show!

2) Hang out at the Homecoming Tailgate

k6EWAZcQ Hoopin' at the Hill + 2 other ways to celebrate UAB's 50th anniversary with Homecoming 2019 from Oct. 17th-19th
Blazer fans at a student tailgate in Blazer Village. Photo submitted.
  • When: Saturday, October 19 at 11AM
  • Where: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL

Build up the hype for the game against Old Dominion by coming out to the Homecoming Tailgate! Students, alumni, faculty, and fans from all around Birmingham come out to be a part of the pregame party before UAB’s Homecoming game against Old Dominion.

Blazer Village, on the west side of Legion Field, has everything a Blazer’s fan could need. It’s fun for fans all ages with face painting, inflatable games, music, beer garden, and more.

3) See the UAB Blazers take on Old Dominion

UAB vs ASU
Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now
  • When: Saturday, October 19 at 3PM
  • Where: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL
  • Tickets: $20 – $30, available online

Did you know that UAB Football is undefeated at home since their 2017 return? The Blazers are looking to extend their 15 home game win streak, and need your help. So far, the Blazers have won 4 out of their 5 games in the 2019 season.

But, they need your support! Make sure to buy your ticket and pack out Legion Field.

You can purchase your ticket online here, or at the game itself.

Wait, what’s with the uniforms?

UAB Blazers support Children's Harbor
Lime Green UAB uniforms to support Children’s Harbor. Photo submitted.

If you’re wondering why the Blazers are wearing special edition lime-green uniforms, it’s part of the way the Blazers support Birmingham.

The Blazers support the patients of the Children’s Hospital and Children’s Harbor by wearing these special uniforms. The players honor and memorialize the children and families by wearing the names of patients on the back of their gray jerseys during the Homecoming game.

The UAB football team chose Children’s Harbor as one of their charities in 2016. Since then, the team makes regular trips to the hospital to encourage the children.

Which UAB Homecoming events are you going to? Let us know by tagging us @Bham Now, and use #BhamNow on your game-day pics for a chance to be featured!

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Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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