Protective Stadium expected to attract world-class sporting and entertainment events
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) and Protective Life
Corporation (Protective) announced today a 15-year agreement for the
naming rights sponsorship of Birmingham’s new multi-use stadium, which
will now be called Protective Stadium.
“We are excited to welcome Protective Life Corporation as our naming
rights partner for the new multi-use stadium,” said Tad Snider,
Executive Director, BJCC. “Protective is an organization with deep ties
to the Birmingham community, so their participation is going to add huge
value to the project. We look forward to the partnership as we continue
the development of Protective Stadium.”
“Protective is proud to partner with the BJCC to make this stadium a
reality. This is more than a stadium – it’s an opportunity for our
community to continue thriving,” said Rich Bielen, President and Chief
Executive Officer, Protective. “We are invested in Birmingham’s future
and remain committed to creating positive local impact – a cornerstone
of our company’s foundation for more than 110 years. We are honored to
continue this mission by supporting this transformational project for
our city.”
Headquartered in Birmingham with approximately $90 billion in assets,
Protective is one of the largest corporations in Alabama and has been
providing protection to families for more than 110 years through
affordable life insurance, asset protection and retirement products. As
one of the industry’s leading providers, Protective employs more than
1,500 people in the Birmingham area.
“Like many great things that have happened in Birmingham, this project
would not be possible without a number of dedicated partners working
together,” said John D. Johns, Executive Chairman, Protective. “The
City, County, BJCC, UAB and the business community have all come
together to form a collaborative coalition, and that teamwork has been
instrumental in pushing this project forward. The fulfillment of this
dream confirms that truly amazing things can happen in this community
when we focus our energies on coming together to create our future.”
Protective joins the BJCC Authority, City of Birmingham, Jefferson
County, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and other corporate
partners in funding the new stadium. Because of the private and public
partners dedicated to this project, Birmingham will have the ability to
host more events, provide diverse entertainment offerings and create
continued growth opportunities.
“This is an exciting day for Birmingham as we mark an important
milestone in the stadium’s progress,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall
Woodfin. “With Protective joining as the naming rights sponsor, we
are forging Birmingham’s future together. This allows us to be
competitive with other cities in bringing in world-class sporting and
entertainment events.”
“Protective’s sponsorship shows their long-term commitment to the city
of Birmingham and the region,” said Jimmie Stephens, President,
Jefferson County Commission. “This creates significant momentum in the
building of the stadium and is a strong example of public and private
partners collaborating to create meaningful impact.”
The stadium is expected to be completed in 2021. Schoel Engineering
Company, Inc. recently completed the site survey, and Populous is
finalizing stadium designs for the $174 million open-air stadium.
Relocation of underground utilities and foundational work is scheduled
to be underway soon.
ABOUT PROTECTIVE
Protective Life Corporation provides financial services through the
production, distribution and administration of insurance and investment
products throughout the U.S. The company traces its roots to the
corporation’s flagship company, Protective Life Insurance Company –
founded in 1907. Throughout its more than 110-year history, Protective’s
growth and success can be largely attributed to its ongoing commitment
to serving people and doing the right thing – for its employees,
distributors, and most importantly, its customers. The company’s home
office is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and its 3,000 employees are
located in offices across the United States. As of December 31, 2018,
the Company had assets of approximately $90 billion. Protective Life
Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.
(TSE:8750). For more information about Protective, please visit www.Protective.com.
ABOUT THE BJCC
The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex is Alabama’s foremost
convention, meeting and entertainment center. It is home to two
exhibition halls offering generous space for trade shows and exhibitions
and three entertainment venues including the state’s largest Arena and
Concert Hall. The BJCC campus also includes Alabama’s largest hotel in
the 757-room Sheraton Birmingham as well as The Westin Birmingham Hotel
and the Uptown Entertainment District. For more information about the
BJCC, please visit www.bjcc.org.
Christina Frantom
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex
205-458-8216
christina.frantom@bjcc.org
Brittnie Bordonaro
Protective Life Corporation
205-268-8611
brittnie.bordonaro@protective.com