Legion Field To Receive New Scoreboard

Legion Field could soon receive some cosmetic improvements.

In a meeting of the Birmingham City Council last week, city officials approved in excess of $1.4 million to be used to construct and place a new scoreboard to replace the old one currently in operation.

According to the resolution passed, Mayor William Bell is authorized to execute an agreement between the city and Daktronics, Inc., who will provide the equipment and install the video display at the stadium. The total amount of the project is not to exceed $1,456,935 -- $1,147,655 for the cost of the equipment and $309,280 for the installation of the board.

Near the conclusion of the meeting, Councilman Jay Roberson noted the possibility of Coca-Cola assisting the city in covering the costs of the new scoreboard. The company has delivered two proposals to the city.

A video-only display resides in the opposite end zone of the current scoreboard. It is unclear whether that screen will be included in the project.

Even without UAB football, Legion Field hosts a few notable events this fall. The U.S. women's soccer team is set to take on Australia on September 20 as part of its FIFA World Cup victory tour. The Magic City Classic, a football game pitting Alabama A&M and Alabama State, takes place October 31 and always draws an enormous crowd. The city is also preparing to host the World Games in 2021.

Bill Clark will lead the UAB football team back onto Legion Field in 2017. It appears that the "Old Gray Lady" will be the home of the Blazers for at least the immediate future. The city of Birmingham is doing what it can to make it an adequate venue.