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Legion Field
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Legion Field
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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.
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