Latest agreement builds on firm’s track record of success in the Alabama sports industry

HPM recently announced that it has been selected by the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority to serve as its owner’s representative for a pair of transformative sports and entertainment projects at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) that are expected to play a leading role in the future of downtown Birmingham.

Totaling $330 million, HPM is providing guidance and oversight for a building program that includes the construction of a brand new 45,000-seat football stadium that will serve as the future home of the UAB Blazers, as well as the comprehensive renovation and expansion of the 44-year-old Legacy Arena. Work is now underway on both projects, which are slated to deliver in Q4 2021. The investment by the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation and the Birmingham corporate community will position Birmingham as a top regional and national destination for meetings and conventions while also generating new opportunities to host a variety of top-tier sports and entertainment events.

HPM was initially chosen as program manager to oversee the pre-construction phase of the Legacy Arena renovation before the firm’s overall scope of work was expanded. HPM is working with construction teams and project managers to serve as the eyes and ears for ownership on both initiatives, continuing the firm’s distinguished track record of working on high-profile capital projects across Alabama. HPM partnered with Steel City Services, a Birmingham firm specializing in project management services, to deliver the scope of services required for the projects. In addition to its assignment at BJCC, HPM is also overseeing ongoing renovations for Bryant-Denny Stadium at the University of Alabama, and previously managed construction efforts for Regions Field in Birmingham.

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with the BJCC Authority, which has been a trusted partner of ours for many years now,” said Mike Lanier, HPM President. “That history provides HPM with an integral understanding of the BJCC’s processes and overall vision for this campaign, and allows us to hit the ground running by developing a strategic plan that sets clear goals and benchmarks for all project partners. Our background in sports and public sector projects across Alabama made this assignment a natural fit, and we look forward to helping the BJCC and downtown Birmingham open a new chapter full of promise and possibility.”

“The new stadium and modernized arena will be assets to the city of Birmingham for many years to come and we’re proud to work with a Birmingham-based company to see them through,” said Tad Snider, BJCC executive director and CEO since 2010. “These projects mean more opportunities for entertainment, sports, family entertainment, conventions and meetings, and the associated economic impact generated from these events benefits the Magic City.”

Originally opened in 1976, Legacy Arena is on track for a modernization initiative to ensure the facility will continue to serve the greater Birmingham area for the next generation. Renovations kicked off in the spring of 2020, with planned improvements including a new suite level, an upper level club area, a variety of enhanced food and beverage options, new seating, a 360-degree ribbon board in the seating bowl and refurbished lobbies with state-of-the-art escalator and elevator systems. A modernized glass-and-steel façade will enhance the arena’s exterior appearance. The impact of the project was recently recognized through the NCAA awarding Birmingham and Legacy Arena the men’s basketball Division I first and second round dates for 2023 and the Division I women’s Southern Regionals in 2025.

Progress is also being made on Protective Stadium, a $174 million next-generation complex jointly funded by the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, University of Alabama-Birmingham and the Birmingham corporate community. Site work began in fall of 2019, with construction work commencing in January of 2020. Its impressive main entrance will open onto a large open “event plaza” leading to a variety of retail and restaurant offerings that serve as an extension of the Uptown entertainment district. In addition to hosting Blazers home games, the stadium will also serve as a home for the AHSAA high school football state championship games on a rotating basis, the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl, concerts and other events.

While construction for both Legacy Arena and Protective Stadium are on aggressive schedules, HPM plans to work with all parties to ensure target deadlines and milestones stay on schedule. This marks the first ground-up football stadium that HPM has worked on and the largest arena renovation contract for the company.

With a presence in 30 states and total management portfolio value of more than $7 billion, HPM has quickly established itself as one of the industry’s leading program managers and owner’s reps. The firm’s sports portfolio also includes project management services for several new minor league ballparks and spring training facilities in Florida including Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, Houston Astros and the New York Mets.

HPM’s other notable projects include a program management contract for the construction of Airbus’ new A220 assembly line at the company’s manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama; an assignment to lead the site selection process, planning, design and construction of Boom Supersonic’s first U.S manufacturing facility; a preconstruction services and construction administration contract for several banks and facilities owned by Regions Financial Corporation; and Program Management services for multiple K-12 school systems & Higher Education institutions across the Southeastern & Southwestern United States.

For more information on HPM and its services, click here.

About HPM

HPM combines comprehensive and construction-related experience with planning, design, build and move resources to offer clients a one-stop approach to complete program management and owner’s representation. From real estate acquisition analysis and facilities assessment to building commissioning and move management, HPM services clients in aerospace, automotive, higher education, K12 and state and local government. With a footprint of projects spanning throughout the US, the HPM team manages its work from offices throughout the South. For more information, please visit www.hpmleadership.com.

About BJCC

The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) is Alabama’s premier sports, convention and entertainment center. It is home to two exhibition halls offering 220,000 square feet for trade shows and exhibitions, as well as three entertainment venues including the state’s largest arena and concert hall. The BJCC campus also includes the Uptown Entertainment District, The Westin Birmingham Hotel and Alabama’s largest hotel, the 757-room Sheraton Birmingham. Protective Stadium, Home of UAB Blazer Football and the World Games is under construction, scheduled to open in Fall 2021. Visit www.bjcc.org.