UAB Football — UAB’s first home game is this weekend! Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)’s football season will kick off this Saturday, October 2nd in their first home game. Planning to go? Here are five reasons to get there early and enjoy UAB’s game day experience.

1. There will be more accessible parking

protective stadium, bjcc, parking, game day — Don’t know where to park? Check out this parking map. Photo via the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC)

The BJCC designed a parking plan to accommodate game day attendees at venues throughout the complex—Protective Stadium and Legacy Arena. The plan accounts for roughly 11,000 spaces within a mile of the BJCC.

Additional parking assistance will available including:

Free shuttle buses (before and after the game)
User-friendly parking map
WAZE app collaboration
Pre-purchased parking

Ridesharing through apps is heavily encouraged. Parking opens at noon.

2. There are amazing restaurants in the area

mugshots, uptown, downtown birmingham — You can try one of the great eateries in Uptown. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

Parking isn’t the only reason for arriving early on game day. You should come early for a chance to indulge in some amazing food and drinks from one of the many spots in Uptown. Uptown’s tenants include:

Eugene’s Hot Chicken
Mugshots Grill and Bar
Your Pie
Todd English P.U.B
Texas De Brazil
The Southern Kitchen and Bar
Uptown Cantina

The great thing about Uptown is that it is walking distance from the stadium—directly across the street. No need to worry about losing that perfect parking spot.

3. Kids will have their own play zone

Birmingham, Mason Music, Spring Break, Spring Break Camp, music, music lessons, kids — You and your children can have fun at Protective. Photo via Mason Music

UAB’s game day experience isn’t just for adults and students. Kids can enjoy themselves in the designated kids zone area. The kids zone has free interactive games, face painting, music and more.

Plus, they can explore the Magic City virtually with Protective Stadium’s interactive mural location on the right side of the South Gate entrance—as if seeing your local university football team play isn’t exciting enough.

4. There will be a pregame fanfest

UAB game day — UAB students will be kicking off the first home game with a pep rally. Photo via Hilary Meares for Bham Now

Another reason to come early? Blazer Village will be in full effect—with a whole new look! Presented by Callahan Eye Clinic, Blazer Village is the official UAB Athletics pregame fanfest. Starting at 2PM, students (and the community) can enjoy:

Tailgating
Music
Fan face painting
UAB Bookstore pop-up shop
And more

Blazer Village is located on the L-shaped grass plaza behind the Uptown entertainment district and closes 30 minutes prior to kickoff. You can view the map here.

5. You can get an in-person, inside look of Protective Stadium

Guess what else comes with heading to the stadium early on game day? Bragging rights! You can be one of the first people to get an in-person inside look and watch the first game played in the stadium all in one day.

You can also enjoy all of the pregame festivities for the grand opening of Protective Stadium including: