Protective Stadium officially opened its doors on Oct. 2, 2021 — a testament to the many local leaders, companies and entities across the community who came together to accomplish the goal of creating a much-needed venue to move Birmingham forward. In the year since, the stadium has hosted college football, a 10-day international multi-sport competition, a sold-out concert by a country music legend and more.
Let’s celebrate Protective Stadium’s first year by looking back at the incredible events that put Birmingham on the map and brought our community together.
Sign lighting and opening day
In September 2021, Protective employees, elected officials, business and community leaders, and project partners gathered to commemorate the sign lighting at Protective Stadium.
The event also featured Alabama’s first-ever drone show 400 feet in the sky, including 60 drones timed with lighted audience wristbands, counting down to the lighting of Protective Stadium’s new indigo sign.
Attendees also heard a poem from Trysten Manning, an eighth grader at Phillips Academy, who was the winner of the Protective Stadium poetry contest. The winning poem, “Still, My Steel City,” will go in the stadium’s time capsule.
Experience the event for yourself by watching the recap of the celebration. Opens in a new tab
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First sold-out event: TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl
On Dec. 28, 2021, the Auburn Tigers faced off against the Houston Cougars for the Birmingham Bowl hosted at Protective Stadium. This was the first event at the Stadium to officially sell out. Despite a loss for the Auburn Tigers, the pep rally, Tiger Walk and fireworks made it a sell-out to remember.
