Bank Independent Stadium is the culmination of a vision – a vision that began almost 50 years ago when the University of North Alabama leadership believed in the institution, its students, its faculty, its staff, and, perhaps, most importantly, its community. Today, the stage is set for that vision to come to life with the transformative nature of the on-campus Bank Independent Stadium. By its very nature, a stadium brings people together to champion a common cause, and there is no question that, whether a football or baseball game, a soccer match, or a concert, Bank Independent Stadium will do just that – now and for generations to come. We welcome this historic and transformational next step as North Alabama steps into its place in history.
Project Timeline
Project Updates
To learn more about the details of our collaboration with these two firms, watch below and read our press release!
Frequently Asked Questions
The project entered the design phase in June of 2023, with a public announcement on the UNA turf practice field at the Bill Jones Athletic Complex. In December of 2023, UNA entered into an agreement with HPM and Davis Architects, both out of Birmingham, to manage and design the project. In March of 2024, the UNA Board of Trustees authorized an early construction package to build a multi-purpose turf practice field at Cox Creek Park – the UNA Spring Sports Complex at Cox Creek. Additionally, an early bid package was released for baseball stadium design and all groundwork as well as public at the Bank Independent Stadium site. On June 14, the UNA Board of Trustees approved the design, scope, timeline, and budget model, which paved the way for groundbreaking. A final bid package is scheduled to be released in September 2024. Contingent upon construction time, the potential opening season would be 2026-2027.
Spectators will have multiple seating options designed throughout the stadium bowl and premium tower Specifics regarding seating tiers are being finalized. Total capacity of Bank Independent Stadium will accommodate more than 10,000 spectators and is being designed with the opportunity for future expansion.
The Bank Independent Stadium has a base cost of approximately $65 million. To date, total fundraising for the stadium has soared to $25 million, and officials expect to add significantly to that figure once work on the project begins. The UNA Board has authorized the institution to borrow up to $35 million toward the cost of construction. Additionally, the UNA Department of Athletics reserved funds for this project during the planning process and will make those available for construction. Stadium proceeds in areas such as concessions, parking, signage, sponsorships, and ticket sales will help as well. Officials note that they have options and enhancements ready to incorporate into the project should additional donors give in significant ways.
Thus far, UNA has raised $25 million in fundraising as part of the Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign. The expectation is that the goal of $30 million for the Bank Independent Stadium campaign priority will be exceeded.
Yes. External fundraising is a critical component and the core driver of this project. There are multiple opportunities for individuals and businesses to help maximize the fan experience and expand amenities at Bank Independent Stadium throughout the construction process. To learn more about the various giving opportunities that start at $100, please click here.
Bank Independent Stadium has a projected base cost of $65 million. Options and enhancements are ready to incorporate into the project should additional donors give in significant ways. The next five months offer a critically important opportunity for donors to make a significant difference through their philanthropy in Bank Independent Stadium.
The design approved by the Board includes capacity for more than 10,000 Lions fans as well as the ability for future expansion, a 360-degree concourse, a premium tower featuring a new weight room, 13 spacious suites, a multipurpose stadium club, outdoor gathering areas, and multiple seating options with new fan amenities.
The two fields combined – football/soccer, which are played on one field, as well as baseball – are referred to as Bank Independent Stadium.
Parking will be available in the UNA parking garage as well as campus parking lots along Pine Street. With the final design, parking options will increase on campus surrounding the stadium site, and plans are in place to use the new City of Florence downtown parking deck once it is completed. UNA will also maintain its shuttle service to get fans to and from Bank Independent Stadium. Excluding downtown and off-campus parking options, which are expected to be used, on-campus parking availability along Pine Street and at the UNA parking garage will provide Bank Independent Stadium visitors more than double the number of spaces currently available at Braly Stadium and offer a favorable stadium parking ratio of one space for every five spectators.
The UNA Band is an instrumental part of the Bank Independent Stadium project and will have a new place to call home with the construction of a state-of-the-art turf field at the UNA Spring Sports Complex at Cox Creek. The Marching Pride will take over the facility as the primary tenant in 2026-27, providing the band with a dedicated practice facility that mirrors premier Division I programs.
Construction on the multipurpose turf field at Cox Creek began in April 2024 and is scheduled for completion in July of 2024. The field will be available to host UNA football and soccer practices, intramural events, band rehearsals, cross country/track training sessions, and other community events during the 2024-25 academic year.
Construction at the Bank Independent Stadium began in June of 2024, with groundwork for the entire stadium site and construction of the new baseball facility leading the first phases of site redevelopment. Turf, bullpens, and outdoor hitting facilities at the baseball facility are scheduled to be completed and available for UNA’s Baseball’s use in January of 2025, while construction continues on the site. Construction of the baseball stadium will be phased on a schedule that allows UNA Baseball to host home events beginning in March of 2025, while several elements beyond the outfield walls will conclude in 2026 alongside progress at other areas of the Bank Independent Stadium site.
UNA Baseball will have its fall practices at the Florence SportsPlex. Other community partners are available to host baseball practices in the event of weather or facility conflicts at the SportsPlex.