Legion Field, in Birmingham, Alabama is the home of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers of conference USA. It has a natural grass surface and a seating capacity of approximately 83,091. It also serves as the second home to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.
It has been the site of many a classic gridiron confrontation in its 68 years of existence. The first game on November 19, 1927, a "local" battle that saw Howard (Samford) defeat Birmingham-Southern 9-0; since that time, the stadium has played host to hundreds of high school, college and professional football contests.
The stadium was constructed in 1926 with an original capacity of 21,000; the cost of the original construction was $439,000. The stadium was named in 1927 in honor of the American Legion and stands as a memorial to those who gave their lives in the service of this country.
The stadium has grown significantly over the years. With the most recent renovations, Legion Field now has a capacity of 83,091. The expansion moved the stadium to 10th among the 110 Division I football stadiums in the country.
Source: Alabama Live and UAB Sports Information
November 15, 2006 Nancy Lynette King Shirley wrote: I live in Chelsea, Alabama. I have often wondered if the two lions in front of Legion Field had any documents about where they come from. My Grandfather (William Edward Whalen) was a stone carver and he carved the two lions in about 1927. He worked for Reed Brothers Stone Company in Birmingham. He also did stone work on the front of many places in Birmingham such as the office at Forest Hills Cemetery, Barber Milk Company on 6th Ave. So., 2 homes on Montevallo Rd, Steiner Bank Building on 1st and 20th, Redmont Park, work on the front of Jefferson Co. Courthouse, work on the front of Gibson School, Alabama Electric Co. building and work on the front of the Tutwiller Hotel. My Mother and aunt remember these but said he did many more. I wondered if this information would be helpful to anyone. When my children were younger, I took them to the park and took their pictures by the lions. I wonder now if a name might have been carved into them showing where they came from.
In 1926, construction began on an unpretentious facility that would seat 21,000 spectators. The stadium consisted of the west stands, a press box, and a small seating area on the east side. In 1927, as a means of honoring and providing a memorial to the American Legion and those who gave service and their life to this country, the stadium became known as Legion Field.
In the dedication game of the stadium, before 16, 800 fans, Howard College (now Samford University) defeated Birmingham-Southern College by a score of 9-0. Many prominent coaches, athletes and public figures have graced the sidelines of the stadium now affectionately referred to as the "Old Gray Lady," notably Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, Coach Eddie Robinson, John Stallworth, Joe Namath, Kenny Stabler, Bo Jackson, Pat Sullivan and Terry Beasley, just to name a few.
Today, Legion Field proudly offers its home field advantage to the Blazers of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, who continue to add to the storied ledger of this formidable landmark.
LEGION FIELD CHRONOLOGY:
1926: Construction begins on Legion Field, a 21,000-seat stadium, at a cost of $439,000.
Nov. 19, 1927: Legion Field debuts as Howard College shuts out Birmingham-Southern College 9-0.
November 2, 1946: Alabama A&M and Alabama State play the first Magic City Classic.
1948: With an assist from the legislature, Alabama and Auburn renew rivalry after 41-year feud. Tigers claw way to 55-0 victory.
1970: natural grass removed in favor of Poly-Turf. An artificial surface remains in place for the next 25 years.
November 28, 1981: Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant became the winningest coach in college football history with his 315th career win as Alabama beat Auburn 28-17.
1995: Artificial surface removed, replaced with Bermuda grass to meet requirements to host 1996 Olympic soccer matches.
1996: Olympics come to Legion Field, USA vs. Argentina men's soccer match draws capacity crowd.
1998: Final Iron Bowl played at Legion Field, as Crimson Tide rolls to 31-17 win.
1999: The annual Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship is played at Legion Field.
2005: Upper deck (9,000 seats) dismantled.
2006: FieldTurf artificial grass surface installed.
2006: Inaugural PapaJohns.Com Bowl, December 23. The University of South Florida Bulls beat the East Carolina University Pirates, 24 – 7.
