Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Your ultimate guide to the BJCC: parking, restaurants + more tips
Reading time: 6 minutes
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Attending a concert at Legacy Arena, catching a game at Protective Stadium or heading to a convention in Uptown? Whatever brings you to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), there’s plenty to explore before and after the main event.
From parking tips to nearby restaurants and hotels, here’s everything you need to make the most of your next visit to the BJCC.
The ultimate guide to events at the BJCC
What is the BJCC? Directions, parking and event-day tips

Located on the north side of downtown, the BJCC is Alabama’s premier destination for concerts, sporting events, conventions and live entertainment. With four unique entertainment venues, exhibition halls, restaurants, hotels and attractions on its 76-acre campus in the heart of downtown Birmingham, the BJCC has everything you need to transform any event into a full night out.
- BJCC Concert Hall: A 2,835-seat performing arts venue designed for large-scale live performances.
- BJCC Theatre: An intimate, 1,000-seat theater for comedy shows, smaller concerts, theatrical productions and community performances.
- Legacy Arena at the BJCC: A 17,000-capacity multi purpose indoor arena that hosts major touring concerts, family shows, sporting events and large-scale entertainment.
- Protective Stadium: A 47,000-seat outdoor stadium used for football, soccer and stadium shows from major artists.

The BJCC campus has 14,500+ parking spaces located within a 5-10 minute walk of its venues, including 15 owned & operated lots and garages. Availability varies by event, so check the official BJCC Directions & Parking page for the updated parking map, garage and lot names, directions and pre-purchase options.
Pro tip: Pre-Purchase parking in advance can help you spend less time searching for a spot on event day.
Need accessible parking? The BJCC provides accessible spaces throughout its parking lots and garages, along with a limited number of advance-purchase accessible parking passes for select events.
What is the Arena Club Experience at Legacy Arena?

Located at 1898 9th Ave N, Legacy Arena at the BJCC has hosted countless national and international concerts, productions and sporting events over its storied 50-year history.

For those looking to elevate their night out, the Arena Club Experience at Legacy Arena offers a premium way to enjoy select shows with added comforts and exclusive amenities, including:
- Early and private access to the venue
- Complimentary parking
- Complimentary food offerings
- A private bar
- Private restrooms
- Comfortable lounge seating
- Pre-show entertainment
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages at select events
- Exclusive merch table
Important note: An Arena Club pass is NOT an event ticket. Each guest must have a valid concert ticket and an Arena Club pass to enter the Arena Club.
Attending a BJCC event with kids? Family FAQs and policies

With plenty of family-friendly events each month, the BJCC welcomes guests of all ages at events unless otherwise noted. But before you leave home, here are a few things families headed to the BJCC should know.
- Diaper bags: Bags must follow the BJCC’s clear bag policy. Don’t have a clear diaper bag? Don’t worry. Just let security know on your way in, and they will search and tag the bag so you can be on your way into the event!
- Sensory inclusivity: The BJCC is Sensory Inclusive™ certified, and has partnered with KultureCity to support sensory-inclusive experiences. Sensory rooms are located at Legacy Arena and Protective Stadium.
- Children’s tickets: Children who have celebrated their second birthday generally need a ticket.
Check the BJCC’s Family FAQs page ahead of time to focus on enjoying the show.
Where to eat near the BJCC: restaurants in Uptown

Located on the BJCC campus just steps from all the venues, the Uptown restaurants make it easy to grab dinner or meet friends for drinks before heading inside for the concert. Dining options include Capella Pizzeria for wood-fired pizza that can’t be beat, Uptown Cantina for Mexican-inspired favorites, Eugene’s Hot Chicken for a spicy take on Southern comfort food and The Southern Kitchen & Bar for elevated Southern dishes.
P.S. Satisfy your sweet tooth with custom cakes and sweet treats from locally-owned K&J’s Elegant Pastries.
Explore the BJCC’s Uptown Dining page to learn more about these and additional dining options for your next visit.
Hotels near the BJCC: staycations + weekend getaways

Whether you’re traveling to Birmingham for that once-in-a-lifetime concert or simply looking for an excuse for a staycation, staying near the BJCC makes it easy to pair entertainment with a night out on the town.
Luckily, the BJCC campus is home to the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel and The Westin Birmingham, two state-of-the-art lodging options conveniently connected to the complex. With spacious rooms, pet-friendly accommodations, on-site parking and other thoughtful amenities, either hotel is a great choice for a concert weekend, convention or downtown getaway.
Make the most of your visit to Birmingham. The BJCC’s exclusive Ticket & Hotel Packages offer a convenient, discounted way to bundle your event tickets and accommodations, making trip planning easier than ever.
Plan your next outing at the BJCC

From concerts and sporting events to conventions and live entertainment, there’s always something exciting happening at the BJCC. Ready to plan your next adventure? Visit the BJCC Events Calendar to explore upcoming events!
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