Category: Sports
With the NCAA Tournament in Town, Birmingham Is Ready for Thrilling Games, an Economic Boost
Birmingham is hosting NCAA Tournament games this weekend for the first time since 2008. It’s the latest addition to the city’s growing profile as a sports hub. Read more.
JeffCo Commission Agrees to Support Magic City Classic for 1 Year, Will Consider Longer Contract Later
Lashunda Scales was moved to tears Thursday as she lobbied to get a 3-year deal for Jefferson County to support the Magic City Classic.
But Scales’ tears didn’t move her fellow Jefferson County commissioners to go beyond the 1-year, $500,000 commitment that was on their meeting agenda.
The commission approved the professional services agreement with the Alabama Sports Council on a 4-1 vote with Scales voting no. Sheila Tyson hesitated before voting with commissioners Jimmie Stephens, Joe Knight and Steve Ammons.
The money comes from the county’s economic development fund, although Stephens, the commission president, questioned whether that was the appropriate source. Read more.
Earlier this week
Commission Considering Funding to Keep Magic City Classic in Birmingham
Commission Considering Funding to Keep Magic City Classic in Birmingham
The Jefferson County Commission today sent a resolution to the agenda of Thursday’s meeting to pay $500,000 to the Alabama Sports Council in support of the Magic City Classic.
The resolution followed a vigorous discussion among commission members about the level of support the county will provide to the annual gridiron meeting between Alabama State and Alabama A&M universities.
Commissioner Lashunda Scales initially presented a resolution for the county to pay the ASC $750,000 for each of the next three years to help keep the game at Birmingham’s Legion Field, where the past 80 Classics have been played. Read more.
Will the Magic City Classic return to Legion Field next year?
With Legion Field nearly 100 years old and Protective Stadium opening last year in downtown Birmingham, people have questioned if the Magic City Classic will find a new home. Read more.
The World Comes to Birmingham
Thousands of athletes from around the world have gathered in Birmingham to compete in The World Games. The 11-day competition is a chance for non-Olympic sports to shine. Read more.
The World Games were delayed for a year, but did it help with preparedness?
The World Games was originally set to come to Birmingham July 2021, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the large event for a year. Read more.
World Games Officials Aim for Full Venues Amid Pandemic Uncertainty
Event organizers say they’re following guidance from local health officials, who say it’s impossible to predict COVID case numbers this summer. Read more.
Birmingham Leaders Say Decision to Ban Russian Athletes From the World Games ‘a Show of Solidarity’
The World Games’ ban was in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week. Read more.
World Game Medals Make Their Debut in Birmingham but Will Soon Be All Over the World
WBHM
Medals for the World Games, which will take place in Birmingham in July, were unveiled by city leaders and games organizers Wednesday at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Read more.
