The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Bartow Arena Renovation Project Set to Begin
5/12/2026 9:45:00β―AM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.Β βΒ TheΒ University ofΒ Alabama atΒ BirminghamΒ Department of AthleticsΒ isΒ setΒ to beginΒ a $15.4 millionΒ renovations onΒ Bartow ArenaΒ later this month.Β Construction is expected to be completed in October 2026, and Bartow ArenaΒ is anticipated toΒ be fully functionalΒ forΒ the 2026-27 basketball season.
"The Bartow Arena project will elevate the experience for our fans,Β studentsΒ and athletes," said UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. "It will also make a meaningful impact on Birmingham and UAB.Β 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,Β the UAB Department of Athletics and Learfield announced anΒ enhanced partnership with C SpireΒ to include naming rights of Bartow Arena's new club area pending approval from the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.Β TheΒ newΒ club is one of four main components of the renovation project, whichΒ alsoΒ includes an entrance lobbyΒ expansion, replacement of lower bowl retractable seating and concourse improvements, includingΒ updatedΒ lighting and restrooms.
Secure yourΒ 2026-27 UAB men's basketball season ticketsΒ now to ensure you have access to the best seats possible leading into the newly renovated Bartow Arena. Commit by the June 30, 2026,Β basketball priority seat deadline to solidify your place in the priority seating and parking selection process. For more information,Β clickΒ hereΒ 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.Β
"A modernized Bartow Arena will welcome students, alumni and the broader community to UAB's campus while enhancing theΒ BlazerΒ spirit during athletic competitionsΒ and futureΒ commencement ceremonies,"Β said UAB President Ray Watts. "I am grateful to our fans and donors for their continued support, as well asΒ the University of AlabamaΒ 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 orΒ 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.Β
SPORT GIFT ACCOUNTS:Β Sport gift accounts play an integral role in our department mission to Win Championships, Graduate with Honors, and Impact the Community. Your generosity has a direct impact on operational support to our teams in resourcing areas like recruiting, nutrition, player development, and technology.Β Click hereΒ or connect with Blazer Boosters on how you can continue to fuel success and help UAB Athletics create a competitive edge in the American Conference.
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