The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Photo by: Brantley Bargerhuff
Emmett and Catherine McLean Contribute to Bartow Arena Renovation Project
7/8/2025 12:48:00 PM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM – Emmett and Catherine McLean have helped continue momentum of the Bartow Arena renovation with a $250,000 commitment towards the project.
"One of UAB's long-standing athletic traditions is basketball at Bartow Arena," Emmett said. "We are proud to support this transformative project which will enhance our fans' experiences, create an exciting venue for Blazer Nation, and display to our community a commitment to excellence by UAB in all facets of university life."
Emmett, a respected figure in Birmingham's business community, is the retired Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Secretary of Medical Properties Trust. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the UAB Athletics Foundation Board. Emmett and Catherine are long-time supporters of UAB, members of the Champion Club, and season ticket holders for football and men's basketball.
"Emmett and Catherine have been unwavering supporters of UAB Athletics, and we are incredibly thankful for their contributions," said Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. "They are not UAB graduates but continuously pour into our student-athletes to help provide them a world-class experience because this is the community where they live, and this is just another example of how dedicated they are to our cause."
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.
For more information, or to pledge your support to the Bartow Arena renovation project, call the Blazer Boosters office at 205-996-9969.
"One of UAB's long-standing athletic traditions is basketball at Bartow Arena," Emmett said. "We are proud to support this transformative project which will enhance our fans' experiences, create an exciting venue for Blazer Nation, and display to our community a commitment to excellence by UAB in all facets of university life."
Emmett, a respected figure in Birmingham's business community, is the retired Co-Founder, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Secretary of Medical Properties Trust. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the UAB Athletics Foundation Board. Emmett and Catherine are long-time supporters of UAB, members of the Champion Club, and season ticket holders for football and men's basketball.
"Emmett and Catherine have been unwavering supporters of UAB Athletics, and we are incredibly thankful for their contributions," said Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. "They are not UAB graduates but continuously pour into our student-athletes to help provide them a world-class experience because this is the community where they live, and this is just another example of how dedicated they are to our cause."
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.
For more information, or to pledge your support to the Bartow Arena renovation project, call the Blazer Boosters office at 205-996-9969.
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