Birmingham mayor proposes funds for amphitheatre, CrossPlex, Legion Field, Rickwood

Birmingham mayor proposes funds for amphitheatre, CrossPlex, Legion Field, Rickwood

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin this week proposed a $26 million investment in new and existing city facilities, including $5 million as the city’s contribution for a planned new 9,000-seat, $50 million Uptown amphitheater at the site of the demolished Carraway hospital.

The planned CrossPlex Village Family Fun Center, announced last year with a plan for a skating rink, jump park and bowling lanes, would get $15 million for design and construction on the site of the former Fair Park.

Legion Field, the historic football stadium which hosts the annual Magic City Classic, would get $4 million in renovations.

Rickwood Field, the historic baseball stadium, would get $2 million in renovations.

“Our commitment to invest in these existing and new facilities benefits our families both in the city and provides new opportunities to actively recruit great events for residents and visitors alike,” Woodfin said.

The amphitheatre will complement the Uptown entertainment district that already features the new Protective Stadium, a refurbished BJCC Legacy Arena, TopGolf, the Westin and Sheraton hotels and a variety of restaurants.

“There’s one last thing to complete that, and that is the amphitheatre,” Woodfin said.

The amphitheatre is expected to host a minimum of 17 to 19 concerts a year, which will help the city get a return on its investment, he said. “I believe we’ll see a return right away,” he said.

The funding proposal could be presented to the Birmingham City Council for approval later this month.

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Legion Field hosted flag football in July 2022 during the World Games. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com)