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Chris Stapleton, Bassmaster Classic + more in March at Legacy Arena. Renovations start Apr. 2.
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March 2020 will be the biggest month in the history of Birmingham’s Legacy Arena, right before it closes for renovation April 2. Take your pick from some A-list shows including Chris Stapleton, Cher, the BassMaster Classic and more. Get your tickets now.
1. Take your pick from half a dozen shows at Legacy Arena in March 2020.
March 2020 will be the biggest month in the history of Legacy Arena. Take a look at who all’s coming.
- Mar. 6-8: Bassmaster Classic (daily weigh-ins and Classic Outdoors Expo at The BJCC)—Fri. noon-7PM, Sat. 10AM-6PM, Sun. 10AM-4PM
- Mar. 13: Elevate the Stage (college gymnastics)—7PM
- Mar. 18: Cher—7:30PM
- Mar. 20: Lauren Daigle—7:30PM
- Mar. 21: Chris Stapleton—7:00PM
- Mar. 27: Nick Cannon Presents: MTV’s Wild and Out—8:30PM
Hard to choose, isn’t it? That’s not even all the events. Check out the full March lineup.
2. Legacy Arena closes Apr. 2 for renovations: looking back + ahead.
I wonder how many Bham Now readers know The BJCC was first a twinkle in its founders’ eyes back in 1957? I sure didn’t.
Up until 1961, The BJCC was just an idea in the minds of some people who had an inkling the Magic City needed “a massive new entertainment facility in the business district of downtown Birmingham.”
I also had no idea that Operation New Birmingham, predecessor to REV Birmingham, developed plans for The BJCC during the height of Birmingham’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
By the summer of 1965, the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation gave the green light to the project and began figuring out a way to finance it and make it happen.
In June 1968, the final plans for what was then called the Civic Center were announced to the public. Legacy Arena was built in 1976.
Now, decades later, Legacy Arena will close for 18 months for a full renovation and expansion. We’ve got all the details for you here, including renderings of what the outside will look like when all is said and done.
Here’s what Tad Snider, Executive Director and CEO, BJCC Authority, had to say about the project:
“We are excited to have the opportunity to reimagine Legacy Arena to better align with the expectations of today’s patrons and our business partners.
The remodel of Legacy Arena is happening in conjunction with a huge period of growth in our city. There’s so much activity and progress happening in and around Birmingham. The BJCC is proud to be part of it.”
3. The show will go on at The BJCC Concert Hall, Exhibition Halls, and Uptown Entertainment District will stay open.
One fun fact I learned while working on this story is that The BJCC is host to 800-900 shows per year, and only 40-50 of these take place at Legacy Arena. They’re big headliners, for sure, but there will still be a *lot* of activity happening at The BJCC even during the renovation.
You’ll still be able to check out shows at The BJCC Concert Hall, go to events in the Exhibit Halls and eat or stay in the Uptown Entertainment District.
Exhibit highlights include the following, not to mention conferences and conventions:
Birmingham’s theatergoers will be happy to know that Broadway in Birmingham will present Rent, Waitress and Bandstand at the Concert Hall.
Also, the Protective Stadium is currently under construction, slated to open in Fall 2021.
Curious about what’s happening at the BJCC? Check out their calendar. And of course, always check for know before you go updates.
Want to stay in the loop while Legacy Arena gets work done? Follow the BJCC: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn.
Now tell us, Birmingham, what are you looking forward to seeing in March 2020 at Legacy Arena? Tag us on social @bhamnow and let us know!
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