If you’re a sports enthusiast or concert-goer in Birmingham, Alabama, the Legacy Arena probably needs no introduction. As the home to the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League, it’s a pivotal part of the city’s sports scene, not to mention its impressive Legacy Arena capacity that can house many fans.
But sports aren’t the only highlight here. The venue also stands as a cornerstone of Birmingham’s vibrant entertainment landscape. With a track record of hosting legendary acts like Elton John and current stars like Taylor Swift, its spacious capacity makes it an ideal location for big-ticket events.
Legacy Arena Capacity
When discussing the standout features of Legacy Arena, one can’t help but focus on Legacy Arena capacity. With the ability to accommodate up to 17,654 spectators for basketball games, the venue is among the largest indoor arenas in the area. This spaciousness allows it to host grand events, from sports to concerts, with ease.
Comparatively, other venues like the nearby BJCC Concert Hall, although charming, can’t match up. Their seating capacities are dwarfed by the massive scale of Legacy Arena, making the latter the go-to choice for large-scale events and performances.
Dig Deeper into Legacy Arena
One of the most remarkable aspects of Legacy Arena is its flexible capacity. The venue has the unique ability to modify its seating arrangements, allowing it to cater to a wide range of events. This level of adaptability sets it apart, making it a versatile choice for everything from sports to live music.
Whether attending a basketball game, a mega-concert, or even a large corporate event, you can be confident that Legacy Arena’s capacity will adapt to meet the occasion’s specific requirements. This flexibility ensures an optimized experience for attendees, regardless of the event type.
Legacy Arena Tickets
If you’re in the market for tickets to an event at Legacy Arena, look no further than SeatGeek. This platform is a one-stop shop, offering a wide range of ticket options from general admission to VIP experiences. The variety ensures you’ll find something that fits your preferences and budget.
But it’s not just the options that make SeatGeek stand out; it’s also the user experience. Trust me, the platform simplifies the entire ticket-buying process. So, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and focusing more on enjoying the event you’re attending.
Hotels Near Legacy Arena
- The Westin Birmingham: Luxury meets location, situated only 0.3 miles from the arena.
- Sheraton Birmingham Hotel: This hotel provides a free shuttle to the arena and an in-house restaurant.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Downtown-Tutwiler: If you’re on a budget, this hotel is 0.6 miles from the arena and offers competitive rates.
Parking Near Legacy Arena
One thing you won’t have to stress about is parking. Legacy Arena offers various parking options, with multiple lots and garages nearby. Even during peak events, you’re likely to find a convenient spot. So, put those parking woes to rest; Legacy Arena has got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Legacy Arena Concert Capacity
For concerts, Legacy Arena seats up to 16,000 fans — slightly fewer than its full 17,654-seat sports configuration — due to stage placement and floor space adjustments. The arena seats 17,654 for sporting events, up to 16,250 for concerts, and 6,000 in a cut-down theater configuration.
Legacy Arena concert seating charts vary by performance. The most common setup is an end-stage concert configuration, but some sections may be removed or altered for individual shows. Seating options for concerts include lower-bowl views, end-stage configurations, suites, and accessible seating throughout. This level of flexibility means that smaller or more intimate productions can dramatically reshape the floor plan to suit the event.
Capacity typically ranges from about 16,000 for concerts to more than 17,000 for basketball, creating an electric yet comfortable atmosphere for chart-topping tours, family spectaculars, and marquee sporting events. The arena floor itself measures 110 by 220 feet and spans 75 feet from floor to ceiling, giving touring production crews ample vertical and horizontal space to build large-scale stage rigs. The arena can also accommodate 8 trucks backstage — 3 on truck docks and room for 5 more — making it one of the more logistically capable venues in the Southeast for major tours.
Notable acts who have performed at Legacy Arena include Dolly Parton, Drake, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Rihanna, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, and Britney Spears. The arena’s mix of strong capacity numbers, a flexible floor, and full production infrastructure is why it continues to attract the biggest names in live entertainment.
Legacy Arena History and Renovations
Legacy Arena originally opened on September 26, 1976, and has undergone one major $125 million renovation — completed in November 2021 — that transformed the facility from top to bottom. Legacy Arena opened September 26, 1976, and was known initially as the BJCC Coliseum; the opening act was John Denver, performing in concert on November 19, 1976.
The arena was home to the Birmingham Bulls of the WHA from 1976 to 1979; when the WHA folded, a minor league team with the same name called the arena home through 2001. The arena was also the home of the UAB men’s basketball team before it moved into Bartow Arena in 1988, and was home to the Alabama Steeldogs arena football team of the af2 from 2000 to 2007. In February 1999, the facility was renamed the BJCC Arena. Improvements over the years included the opening of the BJCC Arena Club, the installation of 119,000 square feet of acoustic panels to enhance sound quality, and the addition of a 150-foot skywalk connecting the arena to the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. On December 17, 2014, the Civic Center board and Legacy Credit Union announced a five-year, $2 million naming rights contract, and beginning January 1, 2015, the arena was officially renamed Legacy Arena at the BJCC.
A $125 million modernization of Legacy Arena was completed in November of 2021. The arena closed in April 2020 for the construction of the renovations, which spanned approximately 18 months. The renovation consisted of a 66,000-square-foot addition and approximately a 300,000-square-foot renovation to the existing arena. Updates included 15,000 new seats, a new lighting system, a new sound system, new club levels for socializing, new audience suites, new artist suites, new locker rooms, and new concessions outlets.
The most dramatic visible change was the addition of a glass-walled plaza, allowing natural light into the venue and transforming its previous “bunker” appearance. Plans also called for adding suite-level and premium club spaces along with new food and beverage options and better crowd flow enhancements. Trans-Siberian Orchestra played to a sold-out crowd on December 15, 2021 — the first concert back in Legacy Arena since completing the modernization. The arena has also hosted the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament as a first and second round host in 1984, 1987, 2000, 2003, 2008, and 2023, and as a regional site in 1982, 1985, 1988, 1995, and 1997.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get to Legacy Arena?
Taking I-20/I-59 and exiting at 22nd Street North usually ensures a speedy arrival at Legacy Arena.
Is there mass transit to Legacy Arena?
Absolutely! Birmingham’s MAX Transit services this area. It’s an efficient option for those looking to avoid the hassle of parking.
What is the Legacy Arena address?
The official address for Legacy Arena is 1001 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Make sure to plug it into your GPS for accurate directions.
What is the Legacy Arena bag policy?
For the most accurate information on the bag policy, it’s best to check Legacy Arena’s official website. Bag policies can vary depending on the type of event you’re attending.
