BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – UAB’s Bartow Arena has reopened after a renovation project of more than $15 million that began in June and is almost completely finished.
Changes fans will notice this season include a new entrance and a new premium halfcourt club. The entire concourse has been upgraded, and the ticket window is now indoors.
“I think they did a tremendous job of truly renovating a special building,” Andy Kennedy, UAB men’s basketball coach and interim athletic director, said. “The most visited building on our campus.”
The arena also has new seats in the lower bowl and ribbon boards for advertising. Overall, Kennedy believes the renovations will help the Blazers compete in the modern world of college athletics.
“This is super significant,” Kennedy said. “We added another 50 floor seats, which are revenue producers for us. And the C Spire club, along with the courtside club. College athletics in 2026 is a big money business.”
Kennedy said the renovations also help the arena fit in with the rest of the campus…