Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama is a large multi-purpose arena that hosts a variety of concerts, sports games, and other events throughout the year. Some of the most popular musical acts and sports teams that have played or continue to play at Legacy Arena include:
Major Concert Acts at Legacy Arena
Legacy Arena has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry over the years. Some of the major concert acts and tours that have made stops at the arena include:
- Elton John – Elton John has performed at Legacy Arena numerous times over his career, including shows in 1974, 1992, 1994, 2000, and 2013.
- Eagles – The classic rock band played Legacy Arena in 1977, 1995, 2001, 2005 and 2018.
- U2 – U2 brought their popular Joshua Tree Tour to Legacy Arena in 1987 and then returned again with their Vertigo Tour in 2005.
- Paul McCartney – McCartney has played Legacy Arena several times, most recently for his Out There Tour in 2013.
- Bruno Mars – Bruno Mars made a tour stop at Legacy Arena in 2014 during his Moonshine Jungle Tour.
- Taylor Swift – Taylor Swift has brought her tour to Legacy Arena on multiple occasions, most recently her Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018.
- Justin Bieber – Bieber played the arena during his Believe Tour in 2013 and Purpose World Tour in 2016.
- Aerosmith – The rock band has brought their tour to Legacy Arena over the years, most recently in 2010 on their Cocked, Locked and Ready to Rock Tour.
- Janet Jackson – Jackson made a stop at Legacy Arena during her Janet World Tour in 1992 and more recently on her Unbreakable World Tour in 2016.
- Fleetwood Mac – The band has played Legacy Arena several times since the 1970s, most recently during their An Evening with Fleetwood Mac tour in 2019.
In addition to the major concert tours, Legacy Arena also frequently hosts special one-off concerts and music events featuring big name artists. Some other notable acts who have performed at the venue include The Rolling Stones, Kanye West, Bob Dylan, George Strait, and many more.
Sporting Events at Legacy Arena
In addition to concerts and shows, Legacy Arena serves as the home court for several sports teams and also hosts various major sporting events. Some of the key sports events and teams associated with Legacy Arena include:
- UAB Blazers Basketball – The UAB Blazers men’s basketball team has played at Legacy Arena since the arena opened in 1976. It serves as the home court for the Blazers.
- Conference USA Basketball Tournament – Legacy Arena hosted the Conference USA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments from 1995 to 2016.
- SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament – The Southeastern Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament was held at Legacy Arena from 2000 to 2012.
- SEC Gymnastics Championships – Legacy Arena hosted the SEC Women’s Gymnastics Championships meet annually from 1993 to 2012.
- Birmingham Bulls Ice Hockey – The minor league Birmingham Bulls hockey team called Legacy Arena home from 1992 to 2001.
- Davis Cup Tennis – Legacy Arena hosted the first round of the Davis Cup tennis tournament in 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000.
The arena has also hosted exhibition games for various NBA and NHL teams over the years as well as professional wrestling events, boxing matches, figure skating competitions, and more.
Upcoming Events at Legacy Arena
Some of the major events scheduled for Legacy Arena in the upcoming year include:
- Jojo Siwa DREAM – January 28, 2023
- Monster Jam – February 4-5, 2023
- Disney on Ice – February 16-20, 2023
- Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour – March 11, 2023
- NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament – 1st & 2nd Rounds – March 16 & 18, 2023
- Chris Stapleton All American Road Show – April 20, 2023
- New Kids on the Block MixTape Tour – May 19, 2023
This lineup of major touring concert acts, family shows, sporting events, and hot new tours demonstrates the variety of entertainment that Legacy Arena continues to attract annually. It serves as one of the premier large-scale venues in Birmingham and the state of Alabama. Fans can expect most big name artists to make a tour stop at the arena when they come through the region.
Legacy Arena History and Details
Legacy Arena first opened in 1976 as Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center and was constructed at a cost of $64 million. It was designed as a large multipurpose sports and entertainment arena to serve the city. Here are some key details about the venue:
- Seating Capacity – Originally 15,000 for concerts, 16,000 for basketball, with over 17,000 possible with floor seating. Currently seats up to 18,000 after renovations.
- Floor Size – 340 x 180 foot main court
- Location – Downtown Birmingham located at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.
- Operators – Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center Authority, City of Birmingham, Global Spectrum.
- Notable Performers – The arena has hosted legendary acts including Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Prince, and Michael Jackson through the years.
- SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament – Legacy Arena had a stretch of hosting the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament every year from 2000 to 2012.
- Renovations – The arena has undergone various renovations most recently in 2016 including upgrades to seating, lighting, concessions, locker rooms, and more.
- Name History – Originally Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center from 1976 to 2006, then renamed Legacy Arena at the BJCC.
Legacy Arena continues to serve as a fixture in Birmingham for top notch entertainment and sporting events. The significant renovations and upgrades completed in 2016 have allowed the arena to attract major concerts, shows, and sporting events into the future.
Getting to Legacy Arena
Legacy Arena’s prime location in downtown Birmingham makes it easy to access. Here are some tips for the best ways to get to events at the arena:
- Parking – The venue has 6,500 parking spaces available in parking decks around Legacy Arena and BJCC that can be purchased in advance.
- Public Transit – Downtown Birmingham is serviced by the MAX public bus system with a BJCC bus stop for easy access.
- Rideshare – Pickup and dropoff areas are located around the arena for Uber, Lyft, taxis and other rideshares.
- Walking/Biking – Legacy Arena is situated near many Birmingham hotels, restaurants and entertainment options providing walkable/bikeable access.
- Interstate Access – Easily accessed right off I-20/59 at exits 124A, 124B and 126.
Legacy Arena’s website provides detailed directions and parking options to make getting to your concert or game smooth and stress-free. Public transit, affordably priced parking, and prime downtown location make Legacy Arena one of the most conveniently located event venues in the Southeast.
Where to Stay for Legacy Arena Events
With Legacy Arena hosting major events year-round, Birmingham offers many convenient, affordable hotels and lodging options close to the venue. Here are some top hotels for staying near the arena:
Hotel | Distance to Arena | Price Range |
---|---|---|
Sheraton Birmingham Hotel | 0.2 miles | $$ |
Hilton Birmingham at UAB | 0.4 miles | $$ |
Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham Downtown-Tutwiler | 0.6 miles | $ |
SpringHill Suites Birmingham Downtown | 0.3 miles | $$ |
Holiday Inn Birmingham-Airport | 2 miles | $ |
Additional hotels like the Redmont Hotel, Westin Birmingham, Homewood Suites and others provide easy access to Legacy Arena events, many within walking distance or a short rideshare trip away. Downtown Birmingham also offers unique options like renting an apartment or home through Airbnb.
Where to Eat and Drink near Legacy Arena
Legacy Arena sits right in the heart of downtown Birmingham, surrounded by many excellent dining, drinking and nightlife options. Here are some top spots to check out when visiting the arena:
- The Essential – Trendy restaurant and bar inside the Pizitz building with craft cocktails and upscale pub fare. 0.2 miles from arena.
- Paramount – Rooftop bar with good drinks and food plus great views of downtown. 0.3 miles away.
- Todd English P.U.B. – Upscale sports bar with American classics and wide beer selection. 0.1 miles away.
- Good People Brewing Company – Popular local brewery taproom with beers, burgers and live music. 0.7 miles from arena.
- The Marble Ring – Hip downtown spot for Neapolitan-style pizzas, cocktails and natural wines. 0.6 miles away.
- Rodney Scott’s BBQ – Acclaimed South Carolina BBQ joint’s Birmingham outpost. 0.4 miles away.
- Steel City Pops – Unique gourmet popsicle shop with fun flavors. Two locations close by at 0.2 miles and 0.4 miles.
Whether looking for a quick pre-event bite close by or a memorable dinner out, Legacy Arena offers no shortage of tasty dining and drinking choices to enhance your experience.
Things to Do Near Legacy Arena
Legacy Arena sits conveniently in the heart of downtown Birmingham, surrounded by attractions and things to do. Here are some ideas for fun activities around Legacy Arena both before events and when visiting Birmingham:
- Railroad Park – Gorgeous 19-acre green space with trails, gardens, and outdoor concerts/events. 0.7 miles away.
- Birmingham Museum of Art – Top regional art museum housing over 27,000 works for free. 0.4 miles away.
- Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument Trail – Sites commemorating the city’s key role in the Civil Rights Movement. Starts 0.3 miles from arena.
- Birmingham Zoo – Home to over 800 animals including endangered species. 2.5 miles away.
- Vulcan Park and Museum – Features the world’s largest cast iron statue and views of the city. 1.5 miles away.
- McWane Science Center – Interactive science museum with aquarium, dinosaurs, and hands-on exhibits. 0.6 miles away.
- Sloss Furnaces – Historic former blast furnace site now focused on industrial history and arts. 1.5 miles away.
Legacy Arena’s central downtown location puts it in close proximity to many of Birmingham’s top attractions, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy before or after the event.
Shopping near Legacy Arena
From modern malls to unique local boutiques, shopping options abound near Legacy Arena in downtown Birmingham, including:
- Pizitz Food Hall – Historic department store building now home to variety of local shops and restaurants. 0.1 miles away.
- Books, Beans and Candles – Charming used bookstore with coffeeshop and gifts. 0.4 miles away.
- What’s on 2nd – Eclectic homegoods, apparel and gift boutique. 0.2 miles away.
- Alabama Goods – Local Alabama-themed gifts, crafts, food and apparel. 0.7 miles away.
- Urban Cookhouse – Locally themed kitchen, bar and home store. 0.6 miles from arena.
- The Summit – Upscale outdoor mall with 50+ stores including Anthropologie, lululemon and more. 2 miles away.
- Brookwood Village Mall – Major indoor shopping mall with 140+ stores including Apple, Macy’s and Sephora. 3.5 miles away.
From boutique local shops to major chain stores, Legacy Arena offers quick access to great shopping for any taste and budget.
Venue Amenities at Legacy Arena
Legacy Arena delivers a wide range of amenities and services to ensure an enjoyable, comfortable experience at events. Some key amenities available at the venue include:
- Concessions – Extensive food and drink options like burgers, chicken fingers, nachos, beer, soft drinks, candy and more.
- Cell Phone Waiting Area – Secure area to have phones stored during events that prohibit phones.
- Nursing Suite – Private space for mothers to nurse children during events.
- Wheelchair/Scooter Rentals – Available to rent onsite if needed.
- Sensory Inclusion Bags – Available for those with sensory needs containing noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and more.
- Family Restrooms – Restrooms intended for use by families with younger children.
- First Aid – Trained first responders are onsite to provide medical care as needed.
- Bag Policy – Small clutch bags and medically necessary items are allowed after thorough inspection.
Legacy Arena’s amenities make sure every guest’s experience is positive through inclusion, comfort, and convenience.
Conclusion
Legacy Arena serves as the heart of entertainment and sports in Birmingham, Alabama. Since opening in 1976, it has hosted the biggest names in music including Elvis, Michael Jackson, Elton John, the Eagles and more. It is home court for the UAB Blazers basketball and has hosted major sporting events like SEC championships.
The prime location downtown places it close to hotels, restaurants, attractions and shopping. Recent renovations and upgrades allow Legacy Arena to continue serving Birmingham for top notch events. Concerts, family shows, and sports will continue making stops at the arena, which serves over 1 million guests annually.