UAB Blazers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Andy Kennedy

Team Mascot: Blaze the Dragon

Year Opened: 1988

Capacity: 8508

City / State: Birmingham / Alabama

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

UAB Blazers vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Rival Team: Southern Miss Golden Eagles

The UAB-Southern Miss rivalry is one of the biggest rivalries in Conference USA, so don’t miss it when these two meet. The two schools have been members of Conference USA since its founding, and you’ll be in for a treat when attending a UAB-Southern Miss game.

UAB Blazers vs Memphis Tigers

Rival Team: Memphis Tigers

UAB and Memphis had a fierce rivalry during the Tigers time in Conference USA, and the two teams have recently renewed the rivalry. You’ll always be in for a good matchup when the Tigers come to town, so make sure to be in attendance when the Blazers take on Memphis.

UAB blazers university of alabama birmingham basketball auburn tigers rivalry Image Source

UAB Blazers vs Auburn Tigers

Rival Team: Auburn Tigers

The rivalry between UAB and Auburn was recently re-ignited in 2015. The Blazers hold a slim 10-9 lead in the all-time series, and there have been lots of incredible games between the two, so get your tickets when the Tigers come to town.

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UAB Blazers vs Charlotte 49ers

Rival Team: Charlotte 49ers

You’ll be in for a hard-fought contest when attending a UAB-Charlotte game. The Blazers lead the series 29-15, and there is always lots at stake when these two meet, so don’t miss it when the 49ers come to Birmingham.

UAB Blazers Stadium Guide

In Game

UAB is the pride and joy of Birmingham, and as a result, you’ll find a lot of excitement surrounding Blazers basketball games. When it comes to hoops, the Blazers are the biggest game in town, and Bartow Arena is packed to gills on game days. The atmosphere is electric and makes attending a Blazers game well worth your time.

The fans aren’t the only ones who make attending a Blazers basketball game a fun experience. The UAB pep band and spirit teams also play a big role in making a Blazers basketball game a good time for everyone in attendance. The pep band and cheerleaders keep spirits high throughout the game and the entertainment provided by the Blaze the mascot and the Golden Girls is great as well.

You’ll also find lots to check out at Bartow Arena as well. The facility is home to a statue of Blaze as well as UAB basketball program founder, and arena namesake, Gene Bartow. The Blazers also have lots of banners hanging up around the arena, including one celebrating the school’s Elite Eight appearance in 1982.

During your trip to Birmingham, make sure to experience some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. Birmingham is home to Dreamland Barbecue, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Good People Brewing Company, among others. All of these are within walking distance of Bartow Arena, so there’s no reason for you not at least to try one of them.

A UAB basketball game is a fun road trip for any Conference USA basketball game, so plan your trip to Birmingham today.

UAB Blazers basketball fans
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UAB Blazers basketball cheerleaders
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UAB Blazers basketball band
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Things to check out

UAB Blaze Statue Image Source

Blaze Statue

Before the game stop by the Blaze statue and get your picture taken. The statue presents an excellent photo op, which is a great keepsake from your trip to see the Blazers play at Bartow Arena.

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Gene Bartow bust Image Source

Gene Bartow Bust

The Gene Bartow bust honors the father of UAB basketball. Without Bartow, there would be no Blazers basketball program, so take a minute to view the statue and pay tribute to the man who gave birth to the UAB basketball program.

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Banners

Take a minute before the game to take in the Blazers banners hanging above the court. The banners show off UAB’s biggest accomplishments on the hardwood including the 1982 team’s Elite Eight appearance.

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UAB Team Store

If you’re looking to pick up some UAB gear at the game then make sure to check out the UAB Team Store. The store is home to a variety of Blazers gear including caps, t-shirts, and much more.

Blaze

Blaze is a European dragon and the official mascot of the UAB Blazers. All throughout the game, you can see Blaze getting into all kinds of shenanigans, so keep your eyes peeled for him at the game.

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Gang Green

The UAB student section, known as Gang Green, propels the Blazers to victory with the intimidating in-game atmosphere they provide. Gang Green is home to the wildest fans in Bartow Arena and is a can’t miss aspect of any UAB basketball game.

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Cheerleaders and Golden Girls

Enjoy the performances of the cheerleaders and Golden Girls when attending a UAB game. The cheerleaders do an incredible job of pumping up the crowd, and the Golden Girls routines are top notch as well.

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Pep Band

The UAB pep band provides an incredible atmosphere at Blazers basketball games. No college hoops game is complete without the sounds of the pep band, so enjoy the band at a UAB game.

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Fight Songs

  1. “Blazer Victory”

    Alma Mater

    All hail alma mater
    We sing this song for thee
    Raise up the banner for Blazer victory!
    (Fight! Fight! Fight!)

    All hail alma mater
    We pledge to always be
    Ever Faithful, Ever Loyal
    To dear old UAB!

  2. “UAB Fight Song"

    At UAB in Birmingham
    All hail our players bold
    They are the mighty Blazers
    Who wear the Green and Gold

    Tonight let’s fire their golden blaze
    The flame of victory
    Go Blazers! Go Blazers!
    Win for UAB!

  3. Go Big Green!

UAB Blazers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Paramount Bar

    Paramount Bar

    Cocktails & creative pub grub offered in a vintage, industrial-chic setup with video & arcade games.

    200 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. The Collins Bar

    Cocktails Limelight

    Unfussy lounge featuring custom-made craft cocktails, elevated comfort food & quirky decor.

    2125 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Iron City

    Chicken

    Birmingham's premiere entertainment venue!

    513 22nd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$$

  4. Carrigan’s Public House

    Carrigans Public House

    Airy, industrial spot with a patio & roof deck for upscale pub fare, craft beer & cocktails.

    2430 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Innisfree Pub

    Beers

    Whether it’s for a game day weekend, to reminisce on college days, or to create new memories, if you are looking for a good time, there’s only one thing to do - Head to the Free.

    710 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA

    Bar website

    european - $

  6. FIVE

    five

    Homey eatery & bar known for simple 5-item brunch, lunch & dinner menus that use local ingredients.

    744 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA

    Bar website

    - $$

  7. Marty’s PM

    Martys PM

    You've never really lived until you party in Marty's.

    1813 10th Ct S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Dave’s Pub

    Daves Pub

    Low-key fixture with a long bar & covered patio offering clever cocktails, draft beer & live music.

    1128 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. 3000 Bar

    beer burger Buddys Place

    Birmingham's Premier Fat Tuesdays daiquiri & Hookah Bar! With a full service bar, vip sections & bottle service. Perfect for dates, mingling & parties!

    1100 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Black Market Bar and Grill

    Black Market Bar and Grill

    Cheery saloon with lots of windows & table seating offering basic counter-service American fare.

    1035 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Al’s Deli & Grill

    Als Deli Grill

    American & Mediterranean fare served all day & night in a down-to-earth diner with outdoor seating.

    1629 10th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  12. Rib-It-Up

    Rib It Up chicken

    BBQ sandwiches & plates, plus Southern-style sides & desserts, served in easygoing surroundings.

    830 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  13. Hot and Hot Fish Club

    Hot and Hot Fish Club

    Cozy cafe serving farm-to-table regional fare, Gulf fish & wines in a historic building.

    2901 2nd Ave S # 110, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. 5 Point Public House and Oyster Bar

    oysters

    Lofty watering hole in an industrial space providing oysters, burgers & an extensive beer selection.

    1210 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA

    Bar website

    - $$

  15. Dreamland Bar-B-Que

    Dreamland Bar B Que

    Local BBQ chain serving hickory-fired ribs, plates & sandwiches, plus wings & comfort sides.

    1427 14th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA

    Bar website

    american - $