Birmingham's Protective Stadium Hits 1 Million Fan Milestone

The new stadium has become a major sports and entertainment hub in just 4 years.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:50pm

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Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama has welcomed its 1 millionth fan in less than 4.5 years since opening in October 2021. The milestone was reached during a sold-out Monster Jam event on Saturday. The stadium has also hosted major concerts by artists like Garth Brooks and Chris Brown and serves as the home field for several local sports teams.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of Protective Stadium as a premier sports and entertainment venue in Birmingham highlights the city's investment in developing its convention and event infrastructure. The stadium's success has boosted the local economy and turned the BJCC campus into a year-round destination for the community.

The details

Protective Stadium reached the 1 million fan milestone on March 28, 2026 during a sold-out Monster Jam event. In addition to hosting the popular monster truck show, the stadium has also welcomed full-capacity concerts by major artists like Garth Brooks and Chris Brown. The venue serves as the home field for several local sports teams including the UAB Blazers football, Birmingham Legion FC, and Birmingham Stallions. Overall, the stadium saw a 25% increase in attendance in 2025 compared to the previous year.

  • Protective Stadium opened on October 2, 2021.
  • The stadium welcomed its 1 millionth fan on March 28, 2026.
  • In 2025, Protective Stadium welcomed over 226,000 fans, a 25% increase from the previous year.

The players

Tad Snider

CEO of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), which oversees Protective Stadium.

Abbot Downs

One of the 1 millionth fans announced at Protective Stadium.

Ella Downs

One of the 1 millionth fans announced at Protective Stadium.

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What they’re saying

“In 2025 alone, Protective Stadium welcomed more than 226,000 fans, a 25% increase over the previous year, and what stands out is how the space is being used even beyond the big events. From neighborhood meetings to corporate gatherings in the Stadium Club, this has become a place that serves Birmingham in a lot of different ways throughout the year.”

— Tad Snider, CEO of the BJCC

“March 28 represents what the BJCC campus does at its best—delivering multiple, high-impact experiences across our venues in a single day.”

— Tad Snider, CEO of the BJCC

What’s next

The BJCC has a busy April schedule planned, with the Birmingham Legion and Birmingham Stallions playing at Protective Stadium, and several events taking place at Legacy Arena including Star Wars Night and a performance by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.

The takeaway

Protective Stadium's rapid growth into a premier sports and entertainment destination in just 4 years underscores Birmingham's commitment to developing its convention and event infrastructure. The stadium's success has boosted the local economy and turned the BJCC campus into a year-round hub for the community.