The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Deputy Athletics Director, External Relations
- Email:
- Phone:
- 996-5219
Brad Hardekopf, who has worked in the UAB Department of Athletics since 2008, serves as the Deputy Athletics Director for External Affairs. He currently oversees and executes the strategic planning for UAB's external units, including Blazer Boosters, Ticket Sales and Service, Fan Engagement & Marketing, Athletics Communications, and Creative Services. He also serves as the liaison to UAB's multi-media rights partner Learfield/Blazer Sports Properties and is the sport administrator for Women’s Soccer.
Hardekopf joined UAB as the Director of Sales in September of 2008. He was next appointed the Director of Sales and Development in September of 2009 where he held that position until November of 2011 when he was named the Assistant Athletics Director for Development. From February of 2014 until June of 2017, Hardekopf served as the Associate Athletics Director for Development and oversaw the fundraising efforts of Blazer Boosters.
Hardekopf guided UAB Athletics fundraising to unprecedented levels of success. He served as the point person for UAB Athletics during the University's comprehensive $1 Billion campaign, and under his watch, Blazer Boosters helped raise the funds necessary to enhance athletic facilities, including the additions of a $22.5 million Football Operations Center and Legacy Pavilion, Mary Bowers Field, New Olympic Track & Field, Men’s and Women’s Basketball Practice Facility, and PNC Field.
UAB Athletics has surpassed $2.5 million in gross ticket sales revenue under Hardekopf’s direction, and Blazer Sports Properties has recorded record sponsorship revenues during the last two consecutive years.
Hardekopf also helped orchestrate the successful return of UAB Football, Bowling and Rifle through fundraising efforts. In addition, UAB Football had record-setting football season ticket sales, the largest crowd in program history of 45,212 and led Conference USA in average attendance during the return season.
Prior to UAB, he worked with the WNBA's Houston Comets as a Corporate Partnership Manager. Hardekopf's experiences also include serving as a website content manager for the Paul Finebaum Website from 2005-08 and working with the Bruno Event Team in 2006 and 2007.
A native of Birmingham, he graduated from Auburn University with a degree in marketing. During his time at Auburn, he supported the athletic department by planning and executing promotions for multiple sports.
Hardekopf and his wife Nicole reside in Vestavia Hills and have two children: David and Leah.
