Steve and Katrina DeMedicis set to gift $1 million to UAB’s Bartow Arena Renovation Project

Longtime UAB athletic supporters Steve and Katrina DeMedicis are set to make a generous donation of $1 million to the multi-million dollar Bartow Arena renovation project.

The renovation will feature four main components:

• Entrance lobby expansion
• Club-level lounge and seating for enhanced viewing
• Replacement of lower-bowl seating
• Concourse improvements.

Read on to learn more about the contributors and this huge change to UAB athletics.

Steve and Katrina DeMedicis’ commitment to UAB athletics

Steve DeMedicis has made quite a name for himself as one of Birmingham’s innovators in the music scene, according to Bham Now.

Steve once owned the Iron City music venue, a place meant to unite all music fans alike and create a nearby venue where people can enjoy themselves before taking on a minority roll in the company. Before greatly enhancing The Magic City’s music scene, Steve began his career as a successful car repossession specialist at Birmingham’s Auction Insurance Agency.

In 2010, Steve was inducted into the National Auto Auction Association’s Hall of Fame and retired as the past President of Red Mountain Technologies. Now, Steve and his wife Katrina have committed to gifting UAB $1 million to the Bartow Arena Renovation Project to pour back into The Magic City.

“Steve and Kat have been incredibly supportive of UAB Athletics and continue to step up on behalf of our student-athletes.

They stepped up to help make the return of UAB Football, Bowling and Rifle possible. They made the lead gift towards our first-class track and field venue, and now they’ve made another gift, time time towards the Bartow Arena renovation project…just another example of how much they love UAB and Birmingham.”

Mark Ingram, Director of Athletics, UAB, according to a press release

The project is aimed to enhance spectator experience at UAB athletic events. The project is anticipated to break ground following the completion of UAB’s Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies.

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