The construction start date for the $174 million Birmingham–Jefferson Convention Complex multi-use stadium has been pushed back to late summer or early fall 2019, again pushing the already tight schedule for having the stadium complete for the 2021 World Games.

BJCC officials, however, say the design phase is moving at a “rapid pace.”

“The design phase is moving forward at a very rapid pace, and is keeping with our expectations. We will know more regarding future milestones as the design phase progresses,” said Tad Snider, executive director & chief executive officer at Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Authority

A survey of the site is currently under way. Schoel Engineering Company, Inc. won the bid for a survey of the site, which will cost $18,700. Populous, a international architectural firm based on Missouri, won the bid to design the stadium. The design will cost $10,084,048.

The design phase is still ongoing. BJCC officials say Populous will be contracting with local businesses including the Minority Business Enterprise and Women Business Enterprise as design team consultants.

No construction contracts have been awarded since the design phase is still ongoing.

The 55,000-seat stadium – along with an updated Legacy Arena – will serve as the new anchor for the BJCC campus and is expected to attract new sporting events and conferences to the Magic City. The facility will also include 90,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space.Officials expect the stadium to be complete in mid-2021 in time for the World Games, which are set to begin in Birmingham on July 15, 2021.

The BJCC Authority, Birmingham, Jefferson County, UAB and corporate partners are funding the stadium construction as well as more than $125 million in renovations to Legacy Arena and other improvements at the BJCC. A 3 percent tax on car rentals in Jefferson County will also go toward the project.

The sale of bonds to finance the construction of the stadium and Legacy Arena renovations closed on Aug. 7 and generated $313 million.

A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site in December.