POLL: 7 things in other cities that we need in Birmingham– our audience answers

Earlier this month, we posted a Facebook poll asking Birmingham locals: What’s one thing from another city you wish we had in Birmingham?

Our audience answered with over 600 comments. Check out the top answers.

We asked, you answered

1. IKEA

With over 70 votes, the most common answers was IKEA. Known for affordable prices and modern designs, IKEA is one of the top furniture retailers in the world.

While the Swedish furniture store has locations in Memphis and Atlanta, there’s currently no store in Alabama.

2. Aquarium

Another popular answer was a Birmingham aquarium.

Some Bham Now readers might remember our April Fools prank this year, where we announced that Brookwood Mall was going to be converted into an aquarium. The joke garnered surprising support and spawned a movement of sorts, including a change.org petition supporting the idea. 

3. The lottery

One common answer was the lottery. When the jackpot reaches $1 Billion, it’s safe to say most Alabamians would like a Powerball ticket without having to drive to the state line to purchase one.

The desire for a lottery in Alabama has been a hot topic for decades. Although a bill to allow gambling in Alabama has been proposed to the senate, don’t expect it to pass anytime soon.

4. Skyline Chili

A surprising amount of Facebook users said they wanted a Skyline Chili location in Birmingham. With several locations in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Florida, the hot dog and chili chain restaurant is a fan favorite.

5. More direct flights

Around the 1940s, Birmingham was considered as a potential air transportation hub in the South. However, major airlines opted for Atlanta instead.

As a result, there are very few direct flights out of Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport and several Alabamians choose to travel out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport instead.

6. Public transit

Several commenters suggested that Birmingham could improve a lot by giving more attention to public transportation. While Birmingham has MAX transit, a citywide bus system, it is still very automobile-dependent.

With gas prices steadily on the rise, it’s no surprise that Alabamians are seeking a more walkable, easily accessible community.

7. NFL team

Last but not least, many audience members asked for an NFL team in Birmingham.

However exciting it is, a national football team in the city has its pros and cons. For example, NFL games attract tourism that bolsters the local economy but also require millions of dollars in funding and infrastructure.

So, what do you think? Are you team NFL or team SEC?

Which one of these would you like to see in Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know your thoughts!