Birmingham–Jefferson Convention Complex, Convention and entertainment complex in Birmingham, United States
The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is a multipurpose facility in downtown Birmingham that houses an arena, exhibition halls, and meeting spaces. The site combines sports facilities with extensive conference and event areas in a single integrated location.
The complex was designed by Geddes Brecher Qualls Cunningham, winners of what was then the largest open competition held by the American Institute of Architects. Built between 1974 and 1976 for about US$104 million, it opened with Legacy Arena, which hosted the Birmingham Bulls of the WHA from 1976 to 1978 and UAB men's basketball from 1978 until 1988. Protective Stadium, a 47,100-seat venue east of the main complex, opened on October 2, 2021.
The BJCC Theatre, seating 1,000, is home to the Birmingham Children's Theatre, described by the sources as the nation's largest children's theater. The same hall stages operas, ballets and smaller concerts. The complex's name honors Jefferson County, where Birmingham sits.
The complex occupies the Uptown Entertainment District, with the Sheraton Birmingham and Westin Birmingham on the adjoining campus. The elevated I-59/I-20 viaduct runs alongside it; a rebuilt viaduct reopened in January 2020. The 220,000-square-foot exhibition halls divide into three smaller halls and hold 1,100 booths.
The complex's four venues are not all under one roof: Protective Stadium, with 47,100 seats, stands just east of the main building and opened on October 2, 2021, when UAB lost 36–12 to Liberty. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2022 World Games, and Garth Brooks gave its first concert on June 4, 2022.
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