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From thundering monster trucks in Protective Stadium to women’s basketball March Madness at Legacy Arena, 2025 was a year to remember at the BJCC! Read on for a refresher on the seven biggest sporting events that rocked Birmingham last year, plus what fans can expect in the next six months.

1. PBR Velocity Tour

After an eight-year absence, the prestigious PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour returned to Legacy Arena on Saturday, January 4. More than 10,000 fans attended the sold-out event, which pitted some of the best bull riders in the world against intimidating cattle bred to buck.

2. SEC Gymnastics Championship

On Saturday, March 22, more than 300 of the top collegiate gymnasts in the SEC converged at Legacy Arena at the BJCC to compete in the 2025 SEC Gymnastics Championship. Although teams from Alabama didn’t take home the gold, UA’s Gabby Gladieux and Lilly Hudson scored 7th and 12th place all-around, respectively.

3. Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship

In mid-March, Protective Stadium was filled with 9,200 tons of dirt in preparation for two of the most well-attended events in the BJCC’s history: the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship (Saturday, March 22) and Monster Jam (Saturday, March 29). More than 100 of the world’s elite motorbike riders raced head-to-head on the dirt racetrack inside the packed Protective Stadium.

Ready to see it all play out again? You can lock in your tickets to the 2026 event now!

4. NCAA Women’s Regional (Sweet 16 & Elite 8)

Hot off the heels of an energized national interest in NCAA Women’s Basketball, the BJCC hosted the NCAA® Women’s Basketball Regional—including the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 rounds. Held from March 28-31 at Legacy Arena, the event marked the first time in history that the women’s tournament was hosted in The Magic City.

5. Monster Jam

On Saturday, March 29, more than 30,000 fans of all ages packed Protective Stadium to see loud, massive monster trucks compete in races, perform jaw-dropping stunts and fly through the air at Monster Jam. Monster Jam was one of the biggest events in the BJCC’s jam-packed March, and even helped the BJCC shatter all past attendance records as one of the largest events ever held at Protective Stadium.

Good news! Monster Jam is returning for a third year in 2026. Click here to get your tickets.

6. World Police & Fire Games

From June 27 to July 6, over 8,500 first responders traveled to Birmingham to compete in the 2025 World Police & Fire Games, a biennial international sporting event that celebrates the service and dedication of law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and other first responders. Events were hosted in more than 35 venues across the city, including the BJCC Exhibition Halls.

7. RxBenefits Battleground 2k25 | Auburn vs Houston MBB

Auburn vs Houston at the BJCC Legacy Arena in 2025 — Fans cheered on Auburn just a few weeks ago. (BJCC)

If you weren’t among the 15,000+ fans that packed Legacy Arena for the RxBenefits Battleground 2k25 game on Sunday, November 16, you missed a nail-biter! The #1 Houston Cougars narrowly defeated the #22 Auburn Tigers 73-72 in the highly anticipated neutral-site rematch.

5 events you won’t want to miss in the next 6 months

With Birmingham growing its reputation as a sports town, several big events are coming to The Magic City in the next six months.

If you need to scratch that college basketball itch, you’re in luck—the annual C.M. Newton Classic returns on Saturday, December 13!

What: C.M. Newton Classic: Alabama vs. Arizona Men’s Basketball
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 8:30PM
Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Tickets: $33 to $211+, available online

The 19th annual Birmingham Bowl, now sponsored by JLab Audio, is set to kickoff at Protective Stadium at 1PM on Monday, December 29—now that’s what I call a late Christmas present!

What: 19th JLab Birmingham Bowl
When: Monday, December 29, 2025 | 1PM
Where: Protective Stadium, 1020 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Tickets: $32 to $80, available online

The American Conference (AAC) chose to host its 2026 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships at Legacy Arena—marking the first time the AAC has brought its basketball championships to The Magic City.

What: The American Conference (AAC) Men’s & Women’s Basketball Championship
When: Sunday, March 8 through Sunday, March 15, 2026
Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Tickets: Available soon on The BJCC’s website

See the top off-road motorcycle riders brave steep jumps and obstacles in a showcase of speed, skill and endurance at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.

What: Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship
When: Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 5:30PM
Where: Protective Stadium, 1020 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Tickets: $38 to $198+, available online

Exactly one week after the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, dozens of massive monster trucks will thunder into Protective Stadium for Monster Jam.

What: Monster Jam
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 5PM
Where: Protective Stadium, 1020 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
Tickets: $40 to $158+, available online

…and look for more details to come soon on these recently-confirmed events:

NCAA 2028 Men’s Basketball First + Second Rounds
National Senior Games 2029

Did you catch any of the big sporting events at the BJCC this year? Planning to attend one of these upcoming events in 2026? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!

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