The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Bartow Arena Renovation Project Set to Begin
5/12/2026 9:45:00 AM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Athletics is set to begin a $15.4 million renovations on Bartow Arena later this month. Construction is expected to be completed in October 2026, and Bartow Arena is anticipated to be fully functional for the 2026-27 basketball season.
"The Bartow Arena project will elevate the experience for our fans, students and athletes," said UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. "It will also make a meaningful impact on Brimingham and UAB. We encourage the community to enthusiastically support this project and our teams by purchasing their season tickets now for the historic season that lies ahead."
In March 2026, the UAB Department of Athletics and Learfield announced an enhanced partnership with C Spire to include naming rights of Bartow Arena's new club area pending approval from the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees. The new club is one of four main components of the renovation project, which also includes an entrance lobby expansion, replacement of lower bowl retractable seating and concourse improvements, including updated lighting and restrooms.
Secure your 2026-27 UAB men's basketball season tickets now to ensure you have access to the best seats possible leading into the newly renovated Bartow Arena. Commit by the June 30, 2026, basketball priority seat deadline to solidify your place in the priority seating and parking selection process. For more information, click here or contact the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-UAB1.
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.
"A modernized Bartow Arena will welcome students, alumni and the broader community to UAB's campus while enhancing the Blazer spirit during athletic competitions and future commencement ceremonies," said UAB President Ray Watts. "I am grateful to our fans and donors for their continued support, as well as the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees for their unanimous approval of this transformational facility."
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.
Stone Building was the successful low bidder and was selected as lead contractor for the renovation of Bartow Arena through the competitive process in accordance with Alabama law.
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