The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Photo by: Parker Freedman
UA System Board Approves Budget and Scope of Bartow Arena Upgrades
6/6/2025 10:52:00 AM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Women's Volleyball, Blazer Boosters
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees established the budget and scope of Bartow Arena renovations, voting unanimously in favor of Stage II project approval Friday. With this approval, UAB Athletics is now authorized to negotiate an agreement with an architect.
"Our proposed renovations would make Bartow one of the most visible, accommodating and inviting basketball and volleyball venues in the American Conference," said UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. "I am grateful for the unwavering support of the UA System Board of Trustees and UAB leadership under President Watts' vision for excellence, as well as our donors and fans who continue to champion UAB Athletics."
The $14.6 million Bartow Arena renovation project is intended to feature four main components:
Pending UAB Athletics reaching fundraising goals and additional UA System Board of Trustee approvals, the project is anticipated to break ground following the completion of UAB's Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies.
Bartow Arena is home to the UAB men's and women's intercollegiate basketball programs as well as the women's volleyball program. The renovation project is designed to support and boost the visibility of these programs while enhancing the spectator experience.
"It is truly exciting to take these important steps toward approval of the Bartow Arena renovation plans," said Head Men's Basketball Coach Andy Kennedy, whose team has been one of the nation's winningest programs over the last five years with 125 wins and four consecutive conference championship game appearances. "We are 74-15 in Bartow in recent years, and renovations would increase our home court advantage even more. I am very grateful and appreciative to all who have worked tirelessly to make this happen."
"We're incredibly excited and grateful to receive Stage II approval of the Bartow Arena renovation plans," said Head Women's Basketball Coach Randy Norton. "This project represents a major investment in our student-athletes, our fans, and the future of UAB Basketball. The enhancements would have a huge impact on recruiting, player development, and the overall game day experience for fans. We can't thank our trustees, administration and supporters enough for their commitment to excellence."
"The Bartow Arena renovation project would make a huge impact on the volleyball program," said Head Volleyball Coach Betsy Freeburg. "It would not only continue to elevate the experience for our growing fan base, but also make an immediate impact for our student-athletes. We are excited about the opportunity to continue developing and competing for AAC Championships."
Additional information about the Bartow Arena renovation project and ways to support will be made available throughout the upcoming year.
For more information, or to pledge your support of the Bartow Arena project, call the Blazer Boosters office at 205-996-9969.
"Our proposed renovations would make Bartow one of the most visible, accommodating and inviting basketball and volleyball venues in the American Conference," said UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. "I am grateful for the unwavering support of the UA System Board of Trustees and UAB leadership under President Watts' vision for excellence, as well as our donors and fans who continue to champion UAB Athletics."
The $14.6 million Bartow Arena renovation project is intended to feature four main components:
- Entrance lobby expansion
- Club-level lounge and club-level seating for enhanced viewing experience
- Replacement of some lower bowl seating with new seating to elevate fan experience
- Concourse improvements including lighting and updated restrooms
Pending UAB Athletics reaching fundraising goals and additional UA System Board of Trustee approvals, the project is anticipated to break ground following the completion of UAB's Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies.
Bartow Arena is home to the UAB men's and women's intercollegiate basketball programs as well as the women's volleyball program. The renovation project is designed to support and boost the visibility of these programs while enhancing the spectator experience.
"It is truly exciting to take these important steps toward approval of the Bartow Arena renovation plans," said Head Men's Basketball Coach Andy Kennedy, whose team has been one of the nation's winningest programs over the last five years with 125 wins and four consecutive conference championship game appearances. "We are 74-15 in Bartow in recent years, and renovations would increase our home court advantage even more. I am very grateful and appreciative to all who have worked tirelessly to make this happen."
"We're incredibly excited and grateful to receive Stage II approval of the Bartow Arena renovation plans," said Head Women's Basketball Coach Randy Norton. "This project represents a major investment in our student-athletes, our fans, and the future of UAB Basketball. The enhancements would have a huge impact on recruiting, player development, and the overall game day experience for fans. We can't thank our trustees, administration and supporters enough for their commitment to excellence."
"The Bartow Arena renovation project would make a huge impact on the volleyball program," said Head Volleyball Coach Betsy Freeburg. "It would not only continue to elevate the experience for our growing fan base, but also make an immediate impact for our student-athletes. We are excited about the opportunity to continue developing and competing for AAC Championships."
Additional information about the Bartow Arena renovation project and ways to support will be made available throughout the upcoming year.
For more information, or to pledge your support of the Bartow Arena project, call the Blazer Boosters office at 205-996-9969.
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