Bartow Arena

If you are looking for the epicenter of sports life in Birmingham, then you should definitely visit a place like Bartow Arena. This is a modern, multipurpose indoor venue located on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). It serves as the "home" for the famous UAB Blazers student teams, whose basketball and volleyball matches draw thousands of dedicated fans.

The arena opened in the late 1980s and has since become an important symbol of the city in the USA. It was named in honor of Gene Bartow, an outstanding coach who made an invaluable contribution to the development of local sports. With a capacity of approximately 8,500 spectators, the arena provides excellent views from every seat and creates a unique, truly "electric" atmosphere during competitions.

Beyond its purely sporting purpose, the facility serves as a venue for large-scale university graduation ceremonies, concerts, and significant community events. Positive reviews and high ratings from visitors confirm that it offers comfortable conditions for world-class leisure and entertainment.

To inquire about upcoming matches, ticket purchases, or event organization, you can use the official communication channels. The arena office is open on weekdays and is ready to assist visitors with any questions.

The main reason to visit this venue is, of course, live sports. You can witness thrilling men's or women's basketball matchups, as well as dynamic volleyball games. The energy of the stands, the synchronized performances of the cheer squads, and the genuine emotions of the student-athletes allow you to experience the true spirit of American college sports.

If there are no competitions on the day of your visit, the arena often hosts other forms of entertainment. It regularly serves as the site for formal graduation ceremonies, large-scale concerts, and even world-class professional boxing matches. In between events, it’s interesting to simply walk around the building to appreciate its architecture and how it integrates into the academic campus.

For sports history enthusiasts, there are commemorative displays and information inside about the university teams' achievements. It is a great place to feel like part of the local community and see how sports bring together city residents of different generations.

Getting to this sports venue is easy, as it is conveniently located in the heart of the university campus. Situated at 617 13th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233, it is easily accessible for both drivers and those who prefer public transportation.

If you are traveling by car, take highways I-20/I-59 or I-65, following the signs for downtown. Paid visitor parking is available on campus; however, on major game days, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.

For public transport users, BJCTA buses are available, with stops located within walking distance of the arena. If you are arriving in the city by plane, a taxi or Uber ride from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) will take no more than 15–20 minutes, covering a distance of about 8 kilometers.

For those already in the downtown area, a walk to the arena can be a pleasant addition to your itinerary, as the district around the university is well-suited for pedestrians and cyclists.

The history of this sports facility began in the late 1980s. Construction was completed for the 1988–1989 season; prior to this, the university's teams were forced to play their home games at other venues around the city. The first official game took place on December 3, 1988, when the UAB men's team secured a decisive victory over Vanderbilt.

Interestingly, the facility was originally called simply UAB Arena. It received its current name only in 1996 in honor of the legendary coach Gene Bartow, who essentially built and developed the university's basketball program from the ground up. The official renaming ceremony was held in January 1997 in a festive atmosphere, accompanied by another home team victory.

Over the decades of its existence, the arena has become a true fortress for the Blazers. The statistics are impressive: the home teams win more than 82% of their matches here. The attendance record was set in 2008 when 9,392 spectators gathered in the stands—slightly exceeding the official capacity of the hall and creating an incredible energy during the game.

When planning your visit, you should consider the nature of your stay. If your goal is a sports match or a concert, allow an average of 2–3 hours. This is enough time to comfortably pass through security, find your seat, enjoy the game, and perhaps pick up some souvenirs during the breaks.

For those who want to not only see a game but also explore the University of Alabama at Birmingham infrastructure, we recommend setting aside 3–4 hours. In this case, you can combine your visit to Bartow Arena with a walk through the modern campus, which is an interesting example of urban architecture in its own right.

The venue's administrative office operates on a standard schedule, which is convenient for handling organizational matters or purchasing tickets at the box office. However, please remember that during evening matches or special events, the building's access hours are extended according to the specific event schedule.

Official Office Hours:

• Monday — Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: Closed (except on game days)

The arena's central location allows tourists to easily combine a sports event with a visit to iconic historical and cultural landmarks. A stroll through the neighborhood will help you better appreciate the industrial past and rich heritage of the region.

Nearby, you will find both quiet historical memorials and modern entertainment centers for the whole family. Below is a list of interesting locations nearby: