Birmingham City Councilman William Parker

Birmingham City Councilor William Parker wants the city to treat Legion Field as an economic development project.

"We are going to actively pursue bringing more events to Legion Field," he said. "The goal is to have a sporting event every Saturday at Legion Field during the football season."

Parker said he wants the city and Parks and Recreation Board to recruit more football and soccer games and concerts to the 90-year-old stadium.

Legion Field could be a catalyst for redevelopment in west Birmingham, Parker said. He said he wants community stakeholders to have a seat at the table.

"My primary goal is to provide the necessary tools to make sure Legion Field is viable for the next 10 to 20 years," he said, adding this is especially important when others seek to build a new stadium in downtown.

Parker, the new chair of the council's Parks and Recreation Committee, sought support from the council on Tuesday for the development of a long-term master plan for "The Old Grey Lady."

"We want to start the conversation and make sure we take everyone's comments as we develop a game plan to address the long-term use of Legion Field," he said, during Tuesday's meeting.

Parker said he is going to move aggressively on this project.

The council on Tuesday approved a resolution in support of the project. Councilor Steven Hoyt questioned the proposal.

Hoyt asked how the master plan will be funded. "That's not here. That is not clear," he said.

Parker said those are conversations that will take place. He said the master planning process will take community support and city funds.

"It is important that we meet with those neighborhood and community stakeholders on the frontend," he said.

Parker said he plans to seek more operating and capital funds for Legion Field.

At the same meeting, the council accepted a $977,000 bid from Gaston Construction to perform renovations at Legion Field.

Parker said he wants city leaders to think outside of the box on how to improve Legion Field and develop the immediate area. He said it could involve purchasing neighboring buildings for parking or park space.

Visits to other cities who have redeveloped stadiums will begin in early December, he said.