Tuskegee students create new design for Birmingham stadium

Eight students at Tuskegee University worked together to create a re-imagined Legion Field stadium as a part of a program with the National Football League (NFL).

Students worked to complete the project throughout the semester and their experience culminated in a presentation of their proposed plan at the NFL league office in New York with league executives and members of the American Institute of Architects.

Keep reading to find out more about their stadium + experience.

A re-imagined Legion Field in Birmingham

The students designed the stadium with a focus on the fan and player experience, architectural design, engineering and construction. The proposed design included:

• 65,000 seats
• 100 luxury suites
• Retractable roof
• Retractable fields

The stadium was also designed with solar panels, water harvesting + cooling systems and a community garden for high end concessions contributing to the stadium’s sustainability. A hotel was also included in the design.

“We were really impressed with the knowledge and professionalism (the students) exhibited throughout the process and certainly the final results. Through the design process the team was able to research and implement stadium design innovations while also being sensitive to an urban neighborhood context.”

~ Roderick Fluker, associate professor of the School of Architecture and Construction Science

The students + their experience

The team included eight students from different majors working together to cover each aspect of creating a new stadium. The eight students were:

• Marco Aubin
• Jordan Pettway
• Chanse Huff
• Journi Goodman
• Jordan Lamar
• Arielle McElroy
• Justin Scott
• Koby Bush

The NFL pilot program aims at creating opportunities for students across several schools and a part of the league’s larger goal to engage with HBCU campuses through its Campus Connection program.

“This is exactly the kind of experience we want our students to enjoy. Giving them real-world experience in an industry they are working to join, gives them invaluable insight into what they should expect and the success they can ultimately accomplish.”

~ Tuskegee University President Charlotte P. Morris

The objective of the NFL’s HBCU Campus Connection program is to form relationships with students year-round through collaborative initiatives including lectures, speaking opportunities, case studies and various events promoting career development. Since 2018, the program has reached over 2,000 students.

“We are proud of the innovation and creativity the students displayed while suggesting solutions to a real issue within the NFL. Through the Campus Connection program and our partnership with Tuskegee, the NFL’s commitment to HBCU’s extends beyond the field by driving awareness around career opportunities and providing access to the business of sports.”

~ NFL Senior Vice President of Football Operations Arthur McAfee III

How would you design a new stadium in Birmingham? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.