From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM –Corporate sponsors still need to be identified, but three public entities have approved long term funding for a new 45,000 seat multi-use stadium in downtown Birmingham. The stadium capacity could be expanded to 55,000 for select events with temporary seating.
The total cost of the stadium, which will be built near the BJCC on the north side of Interstate 59/20, is expected to be 4 million.
On Tuesday, the Birmingham city council voted 7-0-1 in favor of a resolution of intent with councilwoman Lashunda Scales abstaining. The city is committing million per year for 30 years.
Last month, the Jefferson County Commission voted unanimously to contribute million per year for 30 years and the BJCC Authority will pay .7 million per year for 30 years, according to the Birmingham Times. UAB has agreed to lease the stadium for $4 million per year for football games.
“UAB needs a new stadium for its football team and has agreed to be a tenant at the facility; the Birmingham metro area will host the World Games in 2021; and the commission has determined that facility will further enhance the economic development and improve the quality of life in the Birmingham metro area,” the Times reported that the county said in its resolution of support.
According to City of Birmingham employee Cody Owens, an independent feasibility study commissioned by the BJCC, the stadium could be completed as early as 2020 and generate roughly $5.5 million per year in tax revenue during the construction phase and as much as $9.9 million a year after construction.
