New $15M Family Fun Center breaks ground in Five Points West

Today, October 30, city officials and community leaders met in Five Points West to break ground on the Family Fun Center, an exciting $15M addition to the Birmingham CrossPlex campus.

Construction on the new facility will kick off in the next 15 days, with an estimated build time of 18 months.

City of Birmingham kicks off Family Fun Center build

In November 2022, Mayor Randall Woodfin announced his commitment to build a city-owned “Family Fun Center” on the Birmingham CrossPlex property in Five Points West.

Today, that commitment took a big step forward.

“For my generation and generations before me, the Alabama State Fairgrounds was a place where children could cut loose, have fun and be safe.

That’s the spirit we want to recreate here with the Family Fun Center—a tradition that provides enrichment for children and brings families together.”

Mayor Randall Woodfin

Intended as the focal and connective point for a future mixed-use development, the Family Fun Center was conceived as an entertainment destination for the Five Points West community. The facility will be located on roughly five acres of the Birmingham CrossPlex property, a site that was previously home to the Alabama State Fairgrounds and the Alabama International Raceway.

The City of Birmingham shared a first look with renderings of the facility earlier this year and sought community input on what the facility should offer.

“This project represents the culmination of our collective efforts and dedication to fostering growth and opportunity in our community.

It is not just about bricks and mortars, but about igniting a spirit of innovation that will resonate throughout Birmingham for generations to come.

As we stand here today, we’re not just breaking ground on a new facility; we are laying the groundwork for future economic development and job creation.”

Cornell Wesley, Director of Innovation and Economic Opportunity for the City of Birmingham

According to a City of Birmingham press release, construction on the Family Fun Center will kick off within 15 days.

Birmingham Family Fun Center details + renderings

According to the latest numbers from the City of Birmingham, the Family Fun Center will be a 20,000-square-foot facility with a wide variety of activities both inside and out, including:

• A skating rink
• A jump park
• An e-sports center
• A bowling alley
• A food court
• And more

In addition, the City of Birmingham plans to include several sensory rooms to ensure inclusivity for all guests.

Excited to see the Family Fun Center take a big step forward? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know what you’re most excited about!