BBVA Compass Field

Rob Lovejoy of the MLS's Houston Dynamo attended the christening of UAB's BBVA Compass Field in December, leading soccer drills and signing autographs for students at Glen Iris Elementary School. (AL.com file photo)

BBVA Compass is again coming out in support of the city's own soccer team, the Birmingham Hammers.

The team will play its inaugural season with the National Premier Soccer League this year. On Thursday, BBVA announced that it is now the title sponsor of the Hammers.

"We are so proud to sponsor this team, and we're excited to see the Hammers get out there and play," BBVA Compass Birmingham CEO Alan Register said in a news release. "We are part of a global bank that understands well the power this sport has to bring people together and build communities, and it's especially rewarding to bring those efforts to the community we call home."

The bank now sponsors three teams, with the Hammers joining the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer and the Houston Dash of the National Women's Soccer League.

"Having BBVA Compass as our title sponsor for 2016 is a big honor," Birmingham Hammers President and General Manager Morgan Copes said. "We are thrilled to be partnered with a company that shares our passion for soccer and for Birmingham."

BBVA Compass has already shown great support for soccer in Birmingham by funding BBVA Compass Field at UAB with a $1.5 million gift from the bank's foundation. The field, which is home to UAB's men's and women's soccer teams, was christened in December.

Local support for the Hammers also has been impressive. This year, they also are partnering with St. Vincent's Health System to promote physical activity and wellness.

The team's 2016 season, which includes 13 matches, opens with a friendly match against Sandy Springs FC at home on April 30. They will kick off conference play at home against Chattanooga FC on May 14.

The team trains and hosts matches at the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex as part of a partnership with the Vestavia Hills Soccer Club.

Individual passes or flex passes - either five or 10 entries to any home Hammers match - are available online. For more information, visit BirminghamHammers.com.