NCAA’s Women’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16 and Elite 8 at Legacy Arena. (Caleb Turrentine / Bham Now)

The Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) was the city’s top attraction for downtown visitors for the first half of 2025, according to a recent report from REV Birmingham.

The semi-annual report, also known as the Downtown Birmingham Economic Vitality Report, measures several markers of downtown traffic, including activity from tourists, residents and employees.

In the first half of 2025, the BJCC drew 787,100 visits. Landmarks that came behind the BJCC are:

City Walk BHAM — 562,500
Railroad Park — 162,200
Regions Field — 141,400

Visitors at City Walk BHAM (owned by the Alabama Department of Transportation and managed by the BJCC) had the largest increase year-over-year. The total number of visitors more than doubled from the same period last year.

“The BJCC continues to be a tremendous asset for Birmingham and Jefferson County. Our venues are more than event spaces—they are places where our community comes together, where memories are made, and where visitors from across the region are inspired to experience Birmingham. Each event strengthens our city’s economy and helps build a more vibrant future.”
Tad Snider, CEO of the BJCC

Events draw visitors downtown

The Thénardiers performing "Masters of the House" in Les Misérables. (American Theatre Guild) — The Thénardiers performing “Masters of the House” in Les Misérables. (American Theatre Guild)

In addition to the locations themselves attracting visitors, some of the largest surges of activity in Downtown Birmingham were fueled by events at BJCC venues:

Saturday, May 3 (132,367 visits) – Lil Wayne @ Legacy Arena, Cinco de Mayo festivities
Saturday, March 22 (131,728 visits) – SEC Women’s Gymnastics Championship @ Legacy Arena; AMA Supercross Championship @ Protective Stadium
Saturday, February 1 (126,576 visits) – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present The Greatest Show on Earth @ Legacy Arena
Friday, February 28 (124,606 visits) – AHSAA Basketball State Finals @ Legacy Arena; The Donna Summer Musical @ Red Mountain Theatre
Saturday, March 29 (124,287 visits) – Monster Jam @ Protective Stadium; NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional @ Legacy Arena; Les Misérables (two sold-out performances) @ BJCC Concert Hall

“While we always see a lot of excitement around big-name events and large crowds, the true measure of success lies in delivering outstanding experiences of all sizes. Whether you are attending a national championship, a conference, or enjoying time at City Walk BHAM, our goal is to make every encounter with the BJCC the very best.”
Tad Snider, CEO of the BJCC

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