By Ashley Foster, APR ,

BIRMINGHAM (Feb. 9, 2018) – Management for Birmingham Legion Football Club (FC) announced today that it has aligned with the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees on a decision to house its USL professional soccer team at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The decision was made final at the trustees meeting held this afternoon.

“We are thankful for the University of Alabama System and their partnership in this decision and hope the result of it will only enhance Birmingham’s soccer community moving forward,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC president and general manager. “We have maintained throughout the selection process that we want to be in the city center – and this site works perfectly for our objectives.”

“UAB is proud to partner with Legion FC and the USL in support of this important addition to Birmingham’s growing sports and entertainment landscape,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “We look forward to welcoming Blazer and Legion soccer fans to BBVA Compass Field where they will enjoy the facility expansion and enhancements now approved by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.”

Legion FC ownership is confident that the new stadium at UAB will provide its fans with onsite perks and amenities necessary for a positive game day experience. The pitch is already beautiful and in a great location. It only seemed natural to see if there was a way to partner to make it an even better facility.

“The field is centrally located with ample parking and easy access to interstates,” said Lee Styslinger III, Altec chairman and CEO and co-owner of Birmingham Legion FC. “Additionally, there are multiple establishments nearby to enjoy both before and after games – from restaurants to craft breweries and more. We are excited about this partnership with such a phenomenal community partner.”

“The upgrades to BBVA Compass Field will make it one of the largest and finest on-campus soccer venues in the country,” UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram said. “UAB already has an outstanding soccer culture in place, but these improvements to our facility will provide our coaches and student-athletes with an even better platform to showcase their programs and compete at an even higher level.”

According to Heaps, the venue – with a capacity of about 6,000 – is optimal as the pro team kicks off in Birmingham and is sure to help create an electric atmosphere to attract current and new fans.

“A soccer-specific facility with a grass surface was high on our priority list, and this stadium is exactly that,” said Heaps. “UAB has plans to build a beautiful stadium with impressive city views, and we look forward to helping continue to develop a standard that will help professional soccer thrive here in the Magic City.”

Legion FC will play 17 regular season home matches (subject to change) and potentially host more in Open Cup competition. The inaugural USL season will begin in March of 2019.

Fans can put down deposits for season tickets now via the club’s website to secure their chance to witness a new era in Birmingham’s sporting history. More information about final ticket prices will be available later this year.

For more information on Birmingham Legion FC or for ticket information – please visit bhmlegion.com. Additionally, @bhmlegion handles are available via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.