The $15.4 million renovation of UAB’s Bartow Arena received final approval from the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees earlier this month.

Work will begin immediately after 2026 Spring Commencement ceremonies. As a result of the May construction start date, UAB is not holding a summer commencement ceremony in 2026. Students graduating this summer will be able to participate in the fall ceremony.

Last year, 926 students participated in the summer commencement at Bartow Arena.

Bartow Arena facelift begins May 2026

UAB — Barrow Arena (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

Plans to give the 38 year-old Bartow Arena a facelift were announced in June 2025.

The Board of Trustees made the project contingent upon meeting fundraising goals.

In July 2025, a million dollar lead gift by Steve and Katrina DeMedicis helped make the decision by the Board of Trustees an easy one.

What kind of improvements should we see at the “New Bartow?”

According to the renovation plans that were announced in 2025, the 8,508-seat multi-purpose arena will include the following amenities:

Entrance lobby expansion

Club-level lounge and club-level seating for an enhanced viewing experience
Replacement of some lower bowl seating to elevate fan experience
Concourse improvements including lighting and updated restrooms

The venue is home to the Blazers basketball and volleyball teams.

“The Bartow renovation will enhance the spectator experience and support our student-athletes’ success. UAB is dedicating an investment of at least $4.4 million of institutional funds to support this important project, which will combine with generous donations from fans. UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram and I are grateful to everyone who contributed, with special thanks and recognition to the UAB Athletics Foundation and Foundation Chair Hatton Smith who helped make this a reality.”
UAB President Ray L. Watts

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