The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Final Approval Granted for UAB Bartow Arena Renovation, Naming Opportunities
2/6/2026 11:41:00 AM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees has granted stage IV approval of planned renovations to Bartow Arena at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and it also approved the UAB Department of Athletics to pursue naming opportunities in the arena.
With this final stage of approval of the renovation, UAB will execute a construction contract for the $15.4 million project that promises to make Bartow Arena one of the most visible, accommodating and inviting venues in The American Conference.
Upon completion, Bartow Arena will feature a new entrance lobby with approximately 7,400 square feet of new space to enhance the fan experience, allow ticketing activities to take place indoors, and update the overall exterior image. The 34,500-square-foot concourse will be updated with new lighting, paint, finishes and graphics, as well as renovations to the restrooms with new fixtures and finishes.
A new club-level lounge with associated seating at the concourse level will provide enhanced seating options, as well as hospitality amenities for spectators who purchase club membership. The renovation also includes replacement of portions of the floor-level retractable seating with new seating that will bring spectators closer to the court.
"We continue to invest in our athletic programs, our student-athletes and our fans," said UAB President Ray L. Watts. "The Bartow renovation will enhance the spectator experience and support our student-athletes' success. UAB is dedicating an investment of at least $4.4 million of institutional funds to support this important project, which will combine with generous donations from fans. UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram and I are grateful to everyone who contributed, with special thanks and recognition to the UAB Athletics Foundation and Foundation Chair Hatton Smith who helped make this a reality."
Bartow Arena is home to the UAB men's and women's basketball programs, as well as the volleyball program. Bartow serves as a multipurpose venue for numerous university, community and civic activities throughout the year. The project is anticipated to break ground following the completion of UAB's Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies.
"UAB has some of the best fans in the country, and it is important that our venues offer them the best experience possible while enhancing our teams' competitive edge," Ingram said. "With our recently renovated practice facility and this project, we are investing in the long-term success of our basketball and volleyball programs. I am grateful to our fans and donors, and our UAB community, for their ongoing support, as well as the UA System Board of Trustees for their unanimous approval of the Bartow Arena renovation and the many transformational facilities upgrades we've accomplished together."
Fundraising efforts to support the Bartow Arena renovation continue, including naming opportunities for multiple spaces throughout the arena. To learn more about individual and corporate naming opportunities or otherwise support the renovation project, please contact Blazer Boosters at (205) 996-9969 or BlazerBoosters@uab.edu.
"This is an incredibly exciting project funded by the community of Birmingham, scores of Blazer Fans and UAB," said Foundation Chair Hatton Smith. "No doubt, it will make Bartow Arena into a more modern and exciting facility for our students and fan base. The next era for UAB Basketball and Bartow Arena will build on the heritage of the last 47 years. Go Blazers!"
In January 2026, UAB Athletics made men's basketball season tickets available leading into the Bartow Arena renovations. The pricing and allocation details are included here along with a timeline of important dates to know prior to the 2026-27 basketball season. Fans will select their specific ticket locations during the UAB Basketball priority seating and parking selection process, which begins in July of 2026 following a June 30, 2026, basketball priority seat deadline.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
To keep up with UAB Athletics, follow @UAB_Athletics on Instagram and X.
With this final stage of approval of the renovation, UAB will execute a construction contract for the $15.4 million project that promises to make Bartow Arena one of the most visible, accommodating and inviting venues in The American Conference.
Upon completion, Bartow Arena will feature a new entrance lobby with approximately 7,400 square feet of new space to enhance the fan experience, allow ticketing activities to take place indoors, and update the overall exterior image. The 34,500-square-foot concourse will be updated with new lighting, paint, finishes and graphics, as well as renovations to the restrooms with new fixtures and finishes.
A new club-level lounge with associated seating at the concourse level will provide enhanced seating options, as well as hospitality amenities for spectators who purchase club membership. The renovation also includes replacement of portions of the floor-level retractable seating with new seating that will bring spectators closer to the court.
"We continue to invest in our athletic programs, our student-athletes and our fans," said UAB President Ray L. Watts. "The Bartow renovation will enhance the spectator experience and support our student-athletes' success. UAB is dedicating an investment of at least $4.4 million of institutional funds to support this important project, which will combine with generous donations from fans. UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram and I are grateful to everyone who contributed, with special thanks and recognition to the UAB Athletics Foundation and Foundation Chair Hatton Smith who helped make this a reality."
Bartow Arena is home to the UAB men's and women's basketball programs, as well as the volleyball program. Bartow serves as a multipurpose venue for numerous university, community and civic activities throughout the year. The project is anticipated to break ground following the completion of UAB's Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies.
"UAB has some of the best fans in the country, and it is important that our venues offer them the best experience possible while enhancing our teams' competitive edge," Ingram said. "With our recently renovated practice facility and this project, we are investing in the long-term success of our basketball and volleyball programs. I am grateful to our fans and donors, and our UAB community, for their ongoing support, as well as the UA System Board of Trustees for their unanimous approval of the Bartow Arena renovation and the many transformational facilities upgrades we've accomplished together."
Fundraising efforts to support the Bartow Arena renovation continue, including naming opportunities for multiple spaces throughout the arena. To learn more about individual and corporate naming opportunities or otherwise support the renovation project, please contact Blazer Boosters at (205) 996-9969 or BlazerBoosters@uab.edu.
"This is an incredibly exciting project funded by the community of Birmingham, scores of Blazer Fans and UAB," said Foundation Chair Hatton Smith. "No doubt, it will make Bartow Arena into a more modern and exciting facility for our students and fan base. The next era for UAB Basketball and Bartow Arena will build on the heritage of the last 47 years. Go Blazers!"
In January 2026, UAB Athletics made men's basketball season tickets available leading into the Bartow Arena renovations. The pricing and allocation details are included here along with a timeline of important dates to know prior to the 2026-27 basketball season. Fans will select their specific ticket locations during the UAB Basketball priority seating and parking selection process, which begins in July of 2026 following a June 30, 2026, basketball priority seat deadline.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
To keep up with UAB Athletics, follow @UAB_Athletics on Instagram and X.
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