Legion Field Stadium--Birmingham Park and Recreation Board

In 1926, construction began on an unpretentious facility that would seat 21,000 spectators. The stadium consisted of the west stands, a press box, and a small seating area on the east side. In 1927, as a means of honoring and providing a memorial to the American Legion and those who gave service and their life to this country, the stadium became known as Legion Field. In the dedication game of the stadium, before 16, 800 fans, Howard College (now Samford University) defeated Birmingham-Southern College by a score of 9-0. Many prominent coaches, athletes and public figures have graced the sidelines of the stadium now affectionately referred to as the "Old Gray Lady," notably Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, Coach Eddie Robinson, John Stallworth, Joe Namath, Kenny Stabler, Bo Jackson, Pat Sullivan and Terry Beasley, just to name a few. Today, Legion Field proudly offers its home field advantage to the Blazers of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the annual Magic City Classic, which pits the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs against the Alabama State University Hornets. The tradition continues.