Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Legacy Arena turns 50: celebrate the iconic Birmingham venue at a FREE community event, July 11
Reading time: 5 minutes
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For half a century, Legacy Arena at the BJCC has been at the center of some of Birmingham’s biggest moments. Now, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) is inviting the community to celebrate five decades of entertainment, sports and unforgettable experiences during a free anniversary event on Saturday, July 11.
Before the festivities commence, let’s take a look back at Legacy Arena’s incredible history + what visitors can expect at the celebration.
Legacy Arena: a Birmingham landmark for five decades
Whether you attended a March Madness basketball game, saw Zach Bryan in concert or cheered at an AHSAA Championship event, odds are you have a memory tied to the iconic arena in Uptown.
Originally opened in 1976 as the BJCC Coliseum, Legacy Arena is a 17,000-capacity multi-use venue that has hosted countless national and international touring concerts, productions and sporting events over its 50-year history.
“Legacy Arena has been part of Birmingham’s story for 50 years. Generations of people have come here to experience unforgettable concerts, championship moments, family traditions and community celebrations. Beyond the memories created inside the arena, it has helped drive economic growth, attract visitors and establish Birmingham as a destination for live entertainment throughout the Southeast.”
Tad Snider, Executive Director/CEO, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex
Over its 50-year history, Legacy Arena has become a top destination for touring artists, live entertainment and major sporting events that draw visitors from all over the Southeast. Some highlights of the venue’s history include:
- 1976 — The Birmingham Bulls took on fellow hockey team Atlanta Flames in the very first event at the BJCC Coliseum
- 1976 — Soft rock duo Seals and Crofts performed the first concert at BJCC Coliseum
- 1978 — UAB Men’s Basketball made BJCC Coliseum its home arena
- 2015 — Through a partnership with Legacy Credit Union, the BJCC Coliseum was officially renamed Legacy Arena
- 2021 — The BJCC completed a $125M modernization project of Legacy Arena
- 2021 — Trans-Siberian Orchestra performed to a sold-out crowd in the first concert since the modernization
- 2024 — Country musician Zach Bryan performed two sold-out shows, becoming the highest-grossing engagement in BJCC history with $5.7 million in ticket sales + a new merchandise sales record of $1.1 million
- 2024 — Pop icon P!NK broke the record for highest-grossing engagement by a female artist in BJCC history
- 2025 — Comedian Shane Gillis set a new record for the highest-selling comedy show at Legacy Arena, with 16,344 tickets sold
- 2026 — The New Edition Way Tour broke the record for the highest-grossing R&B/Hip-Hop tour, ranks #4 among all concerts and becomes the #5 highest-grossing tour across all genres in Legacy Arena’s history
We asked Birmingham about some of their favorite show memories at the Legacy Arena, and here’s what they had to say:
“John Cougar (Mellencamp) opening for Heart, right after he was in SNL playing ‘Jack and Diane;’ based on all other comments I wish I saw Elvis there and Prince and The Who.” – Allan R.
“Backstreet Boys: Millennium tour was my first concert, and it was at the BJCC, so I’m going to have to give it to them for sentimental value.” – Cat R.
“It’s ’bout to be this No Limit/Cash Money tour…” – T’Darrius B.
Moments like these have helped transform Legacy Arena into a Birmingham landmark that has created unforgettable experiences for generations of fans.
“As we look to the future, we’re focused on continuing to elevate the fan experience. From the modernization of Legacy Arena to the creation of The Green, we’re investing in ways to better serve our guests and ensure the venue remains competitive for the biggest tours and events in the industry. The story of Legacy Arena is still being written, and we look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for generations to come.”
Tad Snider, Executive Director/CEO, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex
Here’s what to expect at the free anniversary celebration
In honor of Legacy Arena’s 50th anniversary, the BJCC is hosting a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, July 11. The festivities kick off at 3PM, where visitors can enjoy:
- Family-friendly activities like face painting, caricature artists and balloon artists
- Arcade-style games celebrating the arena’s sports history
- Opportunities to explore the arena, including backstage tours and access to premium spaces like the Arena Club
- Exclusive live screen-printing with anniversary swag provided by Yellowhammer Creative
- A first look at newly unveiled art installations and a commemorative mural exploring the 50-year history and cultural impact of Legacy Arena
- Free food trucks
- Free parking
Stick around afterward for a free, special performance by The Black Jacket Symphony at 7PM. Rather than focusing on a single album, the group will perform music from legendary artists who have appeared at Legacy Arena throughout its history, spanning multiple generations and genres of music.
- What: Legacy Arena 50th Anniversary Celebration
- When: Saturday, July 11 from 3PM to 9:30PM
- Where: Legacy Arena at the BJCC, 1898 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Tickets: FREE!
What’s your favorite concert ever at the BJCC? Join the conversation here + let us know!
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