Tuscaloosa County Buys Historic Bama Theatre from PARA

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The Tuscaloosa County Commission has agreed to purchase the Historic Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa from the Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Authority (PARA). The commission says the decision will ensure the Bama Theatre, which opened in 1938 as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal, remains under civic ownership and continues to serve the community through programming by the Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County.

Why it matters

The Bama Theatre is a historic landmark in Tuscaloosa that has hosted concerts, recitals, pageants, plays, and other community events for nearly a century. Keeping the theater under public ownership will help preserve its legacy and ensure it remains accessible to local residents and schools.

The details

The Tuscaloosa County Commission will purchase the Bama Theatre and adjoining office space on Greensboro Avenue from PARA. The recently upgraded theater auditorium was designed to mimic a Mediterranean courtyard under a starlit sky with Italian murals. The commission says the partnership with the Arts and Humanities Council will continue, allowing the venue to host a variety of programming.

• The Bama Theatre first opened in 1938 after construction by the Public Works Projects Administration as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal.
• The Tuscaloosa County Commission announced the purchase of the theater on March 13, 2026.

What’s next

The Tuscaloosa County Commission says it will work with city and county schools to ensure the Bama Theatre remains available for a variety of community events and programming.