University Club Reopens After $17M Renovation

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A $17 million renovation of the University Club was unveiled Monday by the University of Alabama and Invited, which is the nation’s largest owner and operator of private membership clubs.

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The renovated University Club features several reimagined spaces, including casual and fine dining, an outdoor veranda, conference rooms and private event spaces.

As Patch previously reported, renovation work on the club began in June 2023.

What's more, the club’s new dining spaces include fine dining at Legacy 1834 and The Tusk Bar and Grill.

New programming will also be introduced, including game day tailgates, brunches and holiday events.

Invited operates approximately 200 city, golf and stadium clubs in North America and will oversee the day-to-day operations for the club.

The University Club will also function as a working laboratory geared toward fostering growth for UA students seeking to gain hands-on event, hospitality and operational experience.

Through this collaboration, students from the University’s hospitality management program will work and learn closely with staff at the club, along with enhancing and furthering their experience through internships and employment opportunities within Invited’s programs.

The University Club was built in 1834 by Captain James Dearing, who piloted the first steamboat from Mobile to Tuscaloosa. At one time, it was home to Arthur P. Bagby — Alabama’s governor from 1837 to 1841.

The University of Alabama purchased the property in 1944, before naming it the University Club to serve as a social club for members of the community.

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