On Sept. 14, local, city and state officials gathered to light the sign of Birmingham’s new multi-use stadium. Protective Stadium officially opens Oct. 2 when it hosts the first Blazer football home game against Liberty University. With a capacity of 45,000 seats, it will be the future home for UAB football and the World Games opening and closing ceremonies in July 2022.
Ceremonial speakers included Alabama governor Kay Ivey, Birmingham mayor Randall Woodfin, UAB president Ray Watts, BJCC CEO Tad Snider, Protective President Rich Bielen and Phillips Academy Eighth Grader Trysten Manning for a reading of his poem.
