Legion FC To Play Next Home Game At Legion Field

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Birmingham Legion FC will play its next home game Saturday against Memphis, but instead of playing at the team's home field on the UAB campus, the game will be played at Legion Field.

Saturday’s match against Memphis, kicking off at 3:30 p.m., will be the first contest of the season between the two rivals in the USL Championship’s Central Division. While Legion FC leads the all-time series with two wins, three draws and just one loss in six meetings, Legion will look to avenge a late season defeat in Birmingham at BBVA Field last October, the last time these two sides squared off.

Birmingham's May 1 game against Indy Eleven resulted in a 1-0 loss, and team officials criticized the condition of the turf at BBVA Field.

"We are extremely disappointed with the condition of the field tonight," Legion FC president and general manager Jay Heaps said after the May 1 game. "We were assured by the UAB Athletic Department and UAB Grounds Crew that the field would be ready for the first game of the season after transitioning the surface from rye grass to bermuda grass. Unfortunately, the field was not ready and nearly unplayable."

Heaps said the team is working closely with UAB on getting BBVA Field ready for the rest of the team's home games.

"We have also been working closely with UAB Facilities and UAB Athletics this past week and are encouraged by the progress being made to address the current field conditions at BBVA Field," Heaps said. "Collectively, we have made the decision to protect the field and play this game at Legion Field."

Heaps added, "BBVA Field is an excellent venue, and we look forward to the rest of our season and continued partnership with UAB Facilities and Athletics. Importantly, we are pleased with the responsiveness and mutual commitment to our partnership, and we appreciate the efforts being putting forth to improve the field for Legion FC and for UAB Women’s and Men’s soccer teams."

Tickets for Saturday's match are just five dollars, and will be available at bhmlegion.com, and anyone that gets their COVID-19 vaccine at the Legion Field vaccination site any day this week will receive a ticket to Saturday’s game. The vaccination site is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and walk ups are welcome.

“We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC, to Legion Field Stadium," said Birmingham City Council President William Parker. "The experience of playing in this historic venue is going to be unlike any other for the teams and fans. In February 2020, we began a partnership with the Birmingham Legion FC for a fan experience to kick off their second season and we’re excited to further showcase the strength of the sports community within Birmingham. We're finally bringing the Legion to Legion Field."

Parking in the lots around Legion Field on Saturday will be available for $10, cash only. All Legion season parking passes will be honored at Legion Field on game day.