From tailgate to touchdown: The ultimate guide to UAB game day

Written by: Katherine Kirk
Media Contact: Ted Feeley

UAB Athletics encourages fans to purchase tickets early so they won't miss a single moment at Protective Stadium.
Photography: Lexi CoonAs the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers gear up for another thrilling football season, fans are buzzing with anticipation. UAB is excited to see fans back at Protective Stadium for six home games this season.

They kick off their season at Protective Stadium against Alcorn State at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, with a Party at Protective. Whether you are a longtime supporter or new to the UAB Football scene, this guide offers comprehensive information to keep in mind while preparing for game days.

Buying tickets

UAB Athletics encourages fans to purchase their tickets in advance. Individual single-game tickets start as low as $20. Season tickets for the 2024 UAB Football season are still available and start at $99. Season ticket packages will feature all six home games and provide the most cost-effective way for fans to attend games during the fourth season at Protective Stadium. Fans can request more information about season tickets by clicking here.

Individual and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience at a UAB Football home game this fall by filling out the UAB Football Group Ticket Request Form or downloading the Football Group Ticket Order Form by visiting the Group Ticket Page. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available on a first-come, first-served basis to any home football game during the 2024 season.

For more information leading into the 2024 season at Protective Stadium, please contact the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 or [email protected].

Getting to the game

Blazer Express picks up at the Hill Student Center starting four hours prior to kickoff and drops off at the BJCC Exhibition Hall; it will complete return rides to campus for one hour following the game's conclusion. Download the DoubleMap app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to track Blazer Express buses in real time.

Fans are invited to purchase parking in advance of game day and utilize the Waze traffic app to find the best route to get to their reserved space on game day.

Single-game parking spots are in the Navy Garage. Season parking passes are available to season ticket holders through the UAB Athletics Ticket Office.

Parking lots open four hours prior to kickoff and are first-come, first-served. For additional info, please call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-8221 or click here to purchase season parking.

Learn more about parking, shuttles, ridesharing and accessibility at Blazer Gameday.

UAB offers several ways for fans to celebrate before the game starts or enjoy game day outside of Protective Stadium.
Photography: Jennifer Alsabrook-TurnerTailgating

UAB offers several ways for fans to celebrate before the game starts or enjoy game day outside of Protective Stadium.

Pick one of these three tailgating options to make the best of your experience: Gold Rooftop, Green Lot Personal Tailgating and Blazer Walk Premium Tailgating. Learn more about these options here. Fans can find a list of recommended tailgate supplies and guidelines here.

Blazer Village, located on the L-shaped grass plaza south of the Uptown entertainment district, will feature free interactive games for kids, face painting, music, a UAB Bookstore pop-up shop and more. The fan-fest area will open four hours prior to kickoff and close 30 minutes prior to kickoff to allow time for fans to get into the stadium.

Students

Student tickets to UAB Football games at Protective Stadium are available free of charge to all active UAB students with a valid ONE Card. UAB students can use their ONE Card to scan and enter Protective Stadium on game days. Students are encouraged to enter the South gates and may enter starting 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

Student seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Student parking is complimentary on a first-come, first-served basis in the Orange Lot (Lot P13). UAB students must show a valid ONE Card for entry into the lot. Students are highly encouraged to ride the complimentary Blazer Express from campus to Protective Stadium.

A new and improved student tailgate is located right in the heart of Uptown and Blazer Walk. Reserved tailgate space passes will be available for students to pick up on Mondays before each game starting at 9 a.m. from the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at Bartow Arena located on UAB's campus.

Student tailgate passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis until all passes have been distributed. Students picking up passes can secure one reserved tailgate space per organization/group to maximize the space available for all.

The student tailgate lot is open pregame beginning four hours prior to the scheduled game time. The student tailgate lot closes 30 minutes prior to kickoff of each game. Click here for more information about student tailgate policies.

Learn more about the student experience at Protective Stadium.

Be sure to check out the cheerleaders and Golden Girls during the game and before the game at Blazer Walk.
Photography: Jennifer Alsabrook-TurnerGame day festivities

From learning the UAB spirit songs to meeting Blaze, UAB game days are filled with fun activities and traditions.

The Marching Blazers, Golden Girls and cheerleaders can be heard and seen throughout the game. Two hours before the game, fans can go to Blazer Walk where the band marches through Uptown playing the UAB fight songs.

Little Blazers can enjoy inflatable and other activities in the kids' section at Protective Stadium located on the North Plaza near the Northeast gate. UAB Athletics offers a Blazer Buddies Kids Club membership every season that is open to kids age 12 and up. Blazer Buddies will receive a Club ID, which grants admission to select games. To get more information about becoming a Blazer Buddy, click here.

In the fourth quarter of the game, Blazers are encouraged to stand up and engage in Blazer thunder, a tradition where fans clap their hands to the marching band beat.

Fans can shop for their UAB gear at UAB Bookstore or UAB Spirit Shop.

Be prepared

For the safety of all game day attendees, Protective Stadium has guidelines on the types of bags and items that can be brought into the event. Approved bags are:

• Bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
• One-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bags
• Small clutch bags or purses do not have to be clear but cannot exceed 5" x 7"
• Wallets

To learn more about Protective Stadium's bag policy and restricted items, click here.

In case of severe weather at Protective Stadium, there will be specific instructions on the Jumbotron and public announcements within the stadium. UAB Athletics encourages fans to follow @UAB_Athletics on social media for up-to-the-minute updates.

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