The Impact of the BJCC in Birmingham, AL
The BJCC is more than just a venue for conventions and trade shows. As a central gathering spot, it’s a hub for the Birmingham community, hosting a variety of events, including concerts, Broadway shows, local meetings, banquets, and educational, cultural, religious, and social functions that cater to all members of the community. Additionally, the BJCC hosts popular consumer events like the World Deer Expo, the Christmas Village Festival, and the Birmingham Boat Show, which draw in thousands of visitors annually.
The answer is simple. The BJCC is responsible for creating millions of dollars in economic benefit, hundreds of jobs, and improving the quality of life for all Birmingham residents. Spending associated with BJCC events has a positive impact on all sectors of the local economy, supporting jobs region-wide. These jobs are not only limited to the hospitality sector, but also extend to diverse sectors such as agriculture, durable goods manufacturing, and construction.
The BJCC’s primary objective is to attract events, conventions and meetings that will generate economic benefits for the region. When event tourists visit Birmingham, they create economic activity that ripples throughout our region, benefitting not only the city but the entire area. We’re proud to be the premier entertainment destination in Alabama!
Architect George W. Qualls is Selected
George W. Qualls of Geddes, Brecher, Qualls and Cunningham of Philadelphia, PA is named the BJCC design winner.
Groundbreaking of BJCC Complex
Groundbreaking begins on the Exhibition Hall in July 1969, to be followed by the construction of the Concert Hall, Theatre, and Coliseum.
Coliseum Plans
New design plans for the Coliseum are revealed in March 1973.
Groundbreaking of Coliseum
Groundbreaking begins on the Coliseum on July 1, 1974.
Concert Hall & Theatre Opening
The BJCC Concert Hall and Theatre officially open on October 3, 1974 and have a 10-day span of celebratory opening festivities between both venues. These events include performances by the Birmingham Ballet, Birmingham Civic Chorus, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, a dedication to the 1,135-pipe Schlicker pipe organ, and more.
First Coliseum Concert
John Denver performs the first concert at BJCC Coliseum (known today as Legacy Arena) on September 28, 1976.
Coliseum & Piazza Completion
The BJCC Coliseum & Piazza are officially complete in Summer 1976.
South Hall Construction
Construction begins on the South Exhibition Hall in early 1979.
South Hall Completion
The BJCC South Exhibition Hall is completed in 1982.
East Hall Construction
Construction begins on the East Exhibition Hall and Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in late 1990.
East Hall & ASHOF Completion
The BJCC East Exhibition Hall and Alabama Sports Hall of Fame are complete in 1992.
Construction of Uptown
In September 2011, the Uptown Entertainment District and the Westin Birmingham hotel begin construction.
Uptown Entertainment District
The Westin Birmingham Hotel opens February 14, 2013. Restaurants and shops begin opening throughout 2013 and 2014 in Uptown.
Entertainment District Approval
On March 17, 2015 the Birmingham City Council approves the Uptown Entertainment District to become the city’s “first entertainment district,” allowing visitors to carry alcoholic beverages outside.
Groundbreaking of Protective Stadium
Construction begins on Uptown’s brand new football stadium in December 2018.
Legacy Arena Modernization Begins
Legacy Arena begins extensive modernization in April 2020. These updates will include 15,000 new seats, new lighting system, new sound system, new club levels for socializing, new audience suites, new artist suites, new locker rooms, and new concessions outlets.
First Event at Protective Stadium
The 47,100-seat facility officially opens on October 2, 2021, as the new home of UAB Blazers football with the Blazers taking on the Liberty Flames.
First Event at Newly-Modernized Legacy Arena
On December 5, 2021, the Birmingham Squadron, an NBA G League team, plays its first home game of the season at Legacy Arena.
First Concert at Newly-Modernized Legacy Arena
Trans-Siberian Orchestra plays to a sold out crowd on December 15, 2021. This is the first concert back in Legacy Arena since completing the modernization.
Inaugural Concert at Protective Stadium
Garth Brooks plays to a sold-out crowd of over 50,000 fans for the first concert at Protective Stadium on June 4, 2022.
City Walk BHAM Opens
City Walk BHAM, a 10-block space beneath the I-59/20 corridor, officially opens in Summer 2022 to connect the city like never before. Pickleball courts, dog parks, skatepark, and more comprise 31 acres of outdoor space for local get-togethers and community events.
NCAA Tournament Returns
The 2023 NCAA March Madness Men’s Basketball Tournament returns to Birmingham in March 2023 at Legacy Arena. Magic City residents and visitors from across the nation cheer on teams from Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Maryland, West Virginia, Northern Kentucky, and Houston.
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss out on our upcoming events at BJCC! From concerts and shows to conventions and sporting events, we have something for everyone. Book your tickets now and experience the best entertainment in Alabama!