Legacy Arena facts for kids
Interior of the arena during the 2009 Davis Cup
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| Former names | BJCC Coliseum (1976–99) BJCC Arena (1999–2014) |
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| Address | 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N. Birmingham, AL 35203-1102 |
| Location | BJCC |
| Owner | Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority |
| Operator | Comcast Spectra |
| Capacity | Concerts: 19,000 Sporting Events: 17,654 Theater seating: 8,000 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | September 28, 1976 |
| Renovated | 2020-21 |
| Tenants | |
| Birmingham Bulls (WHA/CHL) (1976–81) UAB Blazers men's basketball (NCAA) (1978–88) Birmingham South Stars (CHL) (1982–83) Birmingham Bulls (ECHL) (1992–2001) Birmingham/Alabama Steeldogs (af2) (2000–07) Birmingham (NBA G League) (beginning in 2022) |
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Legacy Arena is a large sports and entertainment building in Birmingham, Alabama. It is part of the Birmingham–Jefferson Convention Complex, also known as the BJCC. This arena is used for many different events. It can hold about 17,654 people for sports games. For concerts, it can fit up to 19,000 fans. When it's set up like a theater, it's called Magic City Theatre and holds about 8,000 people.
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About Legacy Arena
This arena is ten stories tall. The main floor is oval-shaped and very large. It measures about 110 feet by 220 feet. This gives plenty of space for different events.
The arena has special areas for guests. There are luxury suites, which are like private boxes. There is also a press box for reporters. The BJCC Arena Club is a special lounge inside the arena. Only 500 guests can use it for most events.
Backstage, there are two locker rooms and six dressing rooms. There is also a press room and a VIP area. The arena can fit eight large trucks backstage. This makes it easy to set up big shows.
A large scoreboard hangs in the center of the arena. It was made by Daktronics. Each side of the scoreboard measures 18 feet by 18 feet. It also has video screens that show replays and other cool things.
History of the Arena
Legacy Arena first opened its doors in 1976. It was built as part of the Birmingham–Jefferson Convention Complex.
The arena was once home to the Birmingham Bulls hockey team. They played in the WHA from 1976 to 1979. After the WHA closed, another team with the same name played there until 2001. A famous hockey player named Gordie Howe scored his 1,000th career goal here in 1977. He was 49 years old at the time!
The UAB men's basketball team also played at the arena. They moved to a new home, Bartow Arena, in 1988. The Alabama Steeldogs arena football team played here from 2000 to 2007.
In 2014, the arena got a new name. It was officially renamed Legacy Arena at the BJCC. This happened because of a special agreement with Legacy Credit Union.
In 2018, it was announced that a new basketball team would play here. The New Orleans Pelicans will have an NBA G League team in Birmingham. This team is expected to start playing at Legacy Arena in 2022. The arena is getting a big update and renovation for this new team.
Exciting Events at Legacy Arena
Legacy Arena has hosted many exciting events over the years.
Sports Events
Basketball Games
The arena has been a popular spot for college basketball. It has hosted several major tournaments. These include the Southeastern Conference men's basketball tournaments. It also hosted the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA men's tournaments.
Legacy Arena has also been a host for the NCAA college basketball tournament. This is a very big event in college sports. It hosted early rounds in 1984, 1987, 2000, 2003, and 2008. It will host them again in 2023. The arena will also host parts of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament in 2025. It is also the home for the AHSAA high school basketball state finals every year.
Tennis Matches
In 2009, the arena hosted a big tennis event called the 2009 Davis Cup. Teams from the United States and Switzerland played here. Famous tennis players like Andy Roddick and James Blake competed. The arena also hosted the Davis Cup again in 2017.
Concerts and Shows
Legacy Arena is a top spot for major concert tours. Many famous musicians have performed here. Some of these include The Who, Bob Dylan, Celine Dion, Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Taylor Swift.
The arena has also hosted special electronic music shows. In 2015 and 2016, the artist Bassnectar held his annual NYE360˚ show here.
Professional Wrestling
The arena has also hosted professional wrestling events. WWE held their Armageddon Pay Per View event here in December 2000.
Other Fun Events
Beyond sports and music, Legacy Arena hosts many other events. These include family shows like Disney on Ice and Monster Jam. It has also hosted the PBR Built Ford Tough Series. The arena is also used for trade shows and other large gatherings. Boxing events, featuring former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, have also taken place here.
Images for kids
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Interior of the arena during the 2009 Davis Cup
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College basketball at Legacy Arena
See also
In Spanish: Legacy Arena para niños
