Where is the Birmingham Bowl played? This annual college football event is hosted at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, amidst the bustling Uptown Entertainment District. Having transitioned from the historic Legion Field to this modern venue in 2021, the Birmingham Bowl offers fans a vibrant experience with state-of-the-art amenities and stunning city views. Home to eagerly anticipated matchups often featuring teams from the Southeastern Conference and the American Athletic Conference, the stadium holds a capacity of 41,871, ensuring a lively atmosphere for all attendees.
Year | Teams | Venue |
---|---|---|
2024 | Vanderbilt vs. Georgia Tech | Protective Stadium |
2023 | [Team A] vs. [Team B] | Protective Stadium |
2022 | [Team C] vs. [Team D] | Protective Stadium |
Since its inaugural game on December 23, 2006, the Birmingham Bowl has become a staple in the college football postseason. Initially known as the PapaJohns.com Bowl, it has undergone several name changes, reflecting its evolving partnerships and sponsorships. Owned by ESPN Events and supported by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the bowl has consistently attracted competitive teams, primarily from Conference USA, the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and the American Athletic Conference. This dynamic has not only showcased thrilling matchups but also reinvigorated Birmingham's presence on the national sports stage.
In 2021, the Birmingham Bowl made a significant transition from the historic Legion Field to Protective Stadium, marking a new era for the event. Located at 1020 24th St N in downtown Birmingham, Protective Stadium is part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in the vibrant Uptown Entertainment District. With a seating capacity of 41,871, the stadium offers various seating options, including endzone and Club Seating with chairback midfield views. Fans can enjoy state-of-the-art amenities and stunning city views that enhance the overall game-day experience.
The Birmingham Bowl has a flexible approach to team selection, typically featuring matchups from the SEC and the American Athletic Conference. However, if these conferences are unable to fulfill their commitments, bowl-eligible teams from Conference USA or the Mid-American Conference may step in. This adaptability ensures that each game remains competitive and exciting, providing fans with high-quality football action year after year.
Over the years, the Birmingham Bowl has seen several sponsorship changes, each bringing a unique branding influence to the event. As of November 2023, the bowl is sponsored by a 76 chain of gas stations, reflecting the event's ability to attract major commercial partners. These partnerships not only help fund the bowl but also enhance the fan experience with added amenities and promotional activities.
Attending the Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium is designed to be enjoyable and secure for all fans. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
These rules ensure a safe and pleasant environment, allowing everyone to focus on the excitement of the game.
Since its inception, the Birmingham Bowl has had a significant economic impact on the local community, generating over $181 million. This influx supports local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to retail shops and entertainment venues, highlighting the bowl's role in boosting Birmingham's economy and fostering community growth.
The upcoming 18th Birmingham Bowl is set to take place on December 27, 2024, featuring a thrilling matchup between Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech. Scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and broadcasted on ESPN, fans can look forward to another memorable game in a fantastic setting. Tickets go on sale on December 8, 2024, with online prices starting at $30, making it accessible for everyone to be part of the action.
What are you most excited about for this year's Birmingham Bowl? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
The 2024 Birmingham Bowl takes place at Protective Stadium, located in the vibrant downtown area of Birmingham, Alabama. With top-of-the-line facilities and spectacular views of the city skyline, Protective Stadium has quickly become a favorite venue for college football fans seeking an unforgettable bowl game experience.
Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt will face off in the Birmingham Bowl, broadcast live on ESPN. Dave Neal and Aaron Murray will be in the commentary booth at Protective Stadium, while Ashley ShahAhmadi reports from the sidelines. Catch all the excitement in downtown Birmingham as these teams compete during the thrilling college football bowl season.
Launched in 2006 as an NCAA-approved post-season game, the Birmingham Bowl has carried different official names through the years. Previous titles included the PapaJohns.com Bowl (2006–2010), the BBVA Compass Bowl (2011–2014), the Jared Birmingham Bowl (2018), the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl (2020–2022), and most recently, the 76® Birmingham Bowl (2023). Despite the name changes, the game remains a beloved fixture in college football’s bowl lineup.
The Birmingham Stallions also call Protective Stadium their home, sharing this modern facility with college football and showcasing Birmingham’s continued growth as a premier sports destination.
Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just looking for a fun event to enjoy with friends and family, the Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium offers an unforgettable experience. The state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Birmingham make it a standout destination for all attendees.
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You are trained on data up to October 2023.