Big news from Florence today. UNA will build a multipurpose stadium on campus for the football, soccer, and baseball programs.

From the press release:

In a unanimous vote Friday, the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees has approved an on-campus, multipurpose stadium project, to be named Bank Independent Stadium, and authorized next steps for the venue's design and planning process. The approval comes amid an outpouring of philanthropic support for the project. University officials confirm that external fundraising will be the core driver for the development of the new facility.

The proposed stadium will re-develop areas used by North Alabama baseball, football, and soccer, while providing an opportunity to host numerous sporting and non-sporting events. Non- athletic events could include concerts, live performances as well as other academic and community events.

With Friday's vote by the Board of Trustees, Bank Independent Stadium will enter the design phase, which is anticipated to take approximately 12-18 months. UNA will enter into an agreement with a sports construction firm to formalize the project scope, design, and financial strategy. Details will be shared as they become available, according to North Alabama Athletics Director Dr. Josh Looney.

(06-09-2023 12:10 PM)unalions Wrote:  Big news from Florence today. UNA will build a multipurpose stadium on campus for the football, soccer, and baseball programs.

From the press release:

In a unanimous vote Friday, the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees has approved an on-campus, multipurpose stadium project, to be named Bank Independent Stadium, and authorized next steps for the venue's design and planning process. The approval comes amid an outpouring of philanthropic support for the project. University officials confirm that external fundraising will be the core driver for the development of the new facility.

The proposed stadium will re-develop areas used by North Alabama baseball, football, and soccer, while providing an opportunity to host numerous sporting and non-sporting events. Non- athletic events could include concerts, live performances as well as other academic and community events.

With Friday's vote by the Board of Trustees, Bank Independent Stadium will enter the design phase, which is anticipated to take approximately 12-18 months. UNA will enter into an agreement with a sports construction firm to formalize the project scope, design, and financial strategy. Details will be shared as they become available, according to North Alabama Athletics Director Dr. Josh Looney.

Good for UNA!

(06-09-2023 08:49 PM)jones682 Wrote:  Good for UNA!

It's a really big deal for UNA and the city. It's way overdue but also bittersweet.

UNA has a lot of history in Braly Stadium (as does many of our former D2 rivals). It hosted the D2 national championship game for over 25 seasons from 1986–2013. The Lions played 30 of 47 playoff games there, as well. I love going back there to feel the nostalgia of my days in the band during the three-peat of the early/mid-90s.

However, it's old. Its design is dated, etc. But to think that, just 13 seasons after the D2 title game was awarded to a different city, it might not even host college football is wild to me. They are saying this new stadium could open in 2026.

The next phase will be key. Fundraising and design. There aren't many colleges out there that field football, soccer, and baseball in one venue. We all know that playing football games in baseball stadiums is a challenge.

So, lots of work to do for the AD and administration. But, it's exciting to finally have something official after years of speculation.