Protective Stadium’s South Plaza Now Named Legacy Plaza

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Just a week after its grand opening, Protective Stadium unveiled a new feature, as a new monument was erected at the stadium's south plaza, marking it as Legacy Plaza.

Sponsored by Legacy Community Federal Credit Union, Legacy Plaza is the welcoming gateway to Protective Stadium from all points south, including the Uptown Entertainment District.

“As a public/private partnership, Protective Stadium is a reality only because of significant municipal support alongside generous corporate partnerships,” said Tad Snider, executive director and CEO, BJCC Authority. “Legacy Credit Union is known for their investment in the community, and since 2015 they have been the naming rights partner for Legacy Arena here at the BJCC. We were thrilled when they were one of the first corporate partners to join the effort to assemble financing of the stadium.”

Legacy Plaza is marked by a 23’ tall monument featuring a concrete base with a steel trellis above. The trellis is designed to complement Protective Stadium’s architecture. Under the sponsorship, Legacy Community Federal Credit Union holds the naming rights to the plaza for 10 years

“Legacy Plaza is a highly visible way to merge two of Legacy’s highest priorities: our commitment to UAB, which founded the credit union over 66 years ago, and our commitment to the Metro Birmingham community that we serve," Legacy president and CEO Joe McGee said. "At Legacy our mission is to Craft Financial Solutions, and that extends not only to our members, but also to our community. We believe that all of the development now underway in the Uptown area, including the renovation of Legacy Arena, will be a catalyst for growth that will yield beneficial results for Birmingham, for UAB, and for the members of Legacy. We are honored to be a part of that.”

Construction on the 45,000-capacity Protective Stadium began in late 2019 and was expected to take 24 months but proceeded at a rapid pace to conclude in time for UAB Football’s first home game of the 2021 season, while Legacy Arena is in the final stages of a comprehensive 16-month modernization and will open in December this year ahead of the opening season for the Birmingham Squadron, an NBA Gleague affiliate for the New Orleans Pelicans.

SEE ALSO:

• Uniquely Alabama: Protective Stadium Was a Long Time Coming
• UAB Opens Protective Stadium Saturday Night
• Protective Stadium Tops Out, Set For Completion In 2021