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March 6, 2025

Where Is the Birmingham Bowl Played? Venue Guide

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Birmingham Bowl Game at Protective Stadium

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.

Rival football teams face off at the start of an action-packed game on the field.

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

A Rich History of the Birmingham Bowl

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.

The Modern Venue: Protective Stadium

Protective Stadium
"Protective Stadium" is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. .

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.

Team Matchups and Conference Tie-Ins

Intense action scene of football players tackling during a game, showcasing teamwork and sportsmanship.

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.

Sponsorships and Partnerships

A man in a blue jacket exits an urban venue with a retro sign reading 'Welcome to the Electric'.

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.

Fan Experience and Attendance Rules

Brother & Sister

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:

  • All attendees must have a valid ticket for entry.
  • No re-entry is allowed once guests leave the stadium.
  • Alcohol sales require picture identification and will end at the conclusion of the third quarter.

These rules ensure a safe and pleasant environment, allowing everyone to focus on the excitement of the game.

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Economic Impact on Birmingham

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.

Looking Ahead: The 2024 Birmingham Bowl

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.

Heading into Uptown - Birmingham, MI
"Heading into Uptown - Birmingham, MI" by Mike Boening Photography is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. .

What are you most excited about for this year's Birmingham Bowl? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!

Ghetto Golf Birmingham - Bowling alley
"Ghetto Golf Birmingham - Bowling alley" by ell brown is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. .

What stadium is the Birmingham Bowl played in?

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.

Where are Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt playing?

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.

What did the Birmingham Bowl used to be?

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.

What stadium do the Birmingham Stallions play in?

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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