SNEAK PEEK: Legacy Arena’s new look is adding magic to the Magic City [photos]

Basketball games, concerts and big events just got better, Birmingham. Legacy Arena’s million-dollar makeover is almost complete and we got a sneak peek. Check it out!

Check out the new & improved Legacy Arena

Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) has been under construction for a little under two years. Now, it is three weeks shy from reopening. The renovation process began in April 2020 after the BJCC closed on the expansive interior and exterior renovation project.

In order to achieve this light and fresh, modern design, the BJCC partnered with Populous, BL Harbert International and Legacy Community Federal Credit Union. When approaching the arena, a tree-lined entryway guides you to the front entrance—what followed next made my mouth drop in amazement.

Illuminating the front lobby was the massive glass facade with a great view of downtown Birmingham’s skyline. You don’t have to take my word for it—see for yourself.

The arena is filled with new amenities

Legacy Arena has over 12 amenity areas with the new design and BJCC officials are excited to see the people of Birmingham occupying the space.

“We’ve got a better, defined entrance that provides the opportunity for everyone to come through the new addition to the building. There are opportunities for more circulation through escalators + elevators that the building did not have before. Anything that increases the experience our consumers have when they are in the building, is what we did.”

Tad Snider, Executive Director, BJCC

Want to know more about the amenities and improvements? We’ve got you covered.

Lower level concessions

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If you’re sitting on the floor or lower level, you no longer have to go up a floor when you’re craving snacks. Lower level seating has their own concession stand—something that didn’t exist before.

New plush seating

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If it feels like you’re sitting in a whole new place, you are. Every single arena seat has been replaced—roughly 15.6K seats in all. Floor seats now have a wider frame for more comfort.

Club + suite member perks

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Legacy Arena has twelve suites and two clubs, and members get perks. Full ticket holders, suite holders and front ticket holders have their own private entrance and elevators—along with an integrated level to event room seating.

Better surround sound + picture

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All lighting has been replaced with color-changing lighting for those pre-game light shows. The center scoreboard has been upgraded for close-up basketball shots.

We can’t forget the new speakers and surround sound system—I hope you have your Billie Eilish concert tickets ready because this will be an experience you don’t want to miss.

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Additional improvements

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• Updated concession windows (48 in all)
• New and improved locker rooms
• Interior viewpoints are wider and more open
• Three nursing mothers’ rooms
• Added and updated restrooms

Legacy Arena at the BJCC officially opens Sunday, December 5 with five Squadron Games lined up along with UAB and the University of Alabama games to follow. It will also host the Spring 2022 concert lineup with Billie Eilish, Eric Church, Reba McEntire and more.

What do you think about Legacy Arena’s new look? Tag us @BhamNow on socials and let us know.