UAB CRUSHED IT: 5 things that made us cheer at the UAB/Alabama A&M game (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

UAB Football
Retired UAB Head Football Coach Bill Clark honored at the 2022 season opener. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

In a 59-0 win, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) dominated the field during their first game of the 2022 football season on Thursday, September 1. 

From a stand-out Blazer Walk and foot-stomping halftime show to a firework finish, here are five things that made us cheer. 

1. The Blazer Walk was LIT

From UAB’s mascot Blaze to the band, cheerleaders and players, this year’s first Blazer Walk was one to remember. A family-friendly moment, I’ve never seen more kids on top of their dad’s shoulders in one place other than the annual Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Bham. 

Bonus: There were tons of restaurant choices in Uptown to hang with fellow fans and grab a bite. 

Below is Bham Now’s Facebook Live of the event:

2. UAB dominates the 1st Quarter

UAB Football
UAB defeated Alabama A&M on September 1, 2022 at Protective Stadium.(Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

Alabama A&M was definitely overmatched. The Blazers led by 28-0 at the end of the first quarter, making some history in the process. Ever heard of the “cycle” in baseball? That’s when a player hits a single, double, triple and homer in one game. UAB, as a team, did the football equivalent, scoring a touchdown four different ways via a pass, rush, interception and blocked punt — Offense, Defense and Special Teams.

3. The student section rocked

UAB
UAB Student Section at Protective Stadium. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

Bham Now photographer and UAB graduate, Jacob Blankenship, told me he had never witnessed a crazier student section crowd than from the one last night. This photo proves it!

4. Coach Clark was a must-see

UAB
Retired UAB Head Football Coach Bill Clark honored at the 2022 season opener. (Jacob Blankenship/Bham Now)

Speaking of great photos, Jacob captured the special moment when recently retired Coach Bill Clark was honored at halftime. Surrounded by his players, fellow coaches and administrators, it was a beautiful scene. 

5. Alabama A&M Halftime Show

Though their football team didn’t give much to cheer about, Alabama A&M fans showed up en masse at Protective Stadium to cheer on their marching band, The Marching Maroon & White Band!

Everyone in the Magic City got to experience firsthand why folks were raving about them at  the Battle of the Bands last week. WOW!

There’s more to come this season! 

Looks like everything is coming together for the UAB Dragon’s 2022 football season.

If you are looking for some family fun and weekend afternoon memories this fall, join the Blazers at Protective Stadium. Every game starting September 17 begins at 2:30PM.

Find the schedule below and here:

  • September 17 – Georgia-Southern
  • October 8 – Middle Tennessee State University
  • October 15 – Charlotte
  • November 5 – UTSA
  • November 12 – North Texas

Tell us your favorite UAB Blazer memory. Tag us at @bhamnow

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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