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Team History Foundation and Early Years Notable Early Achievements Periods of Change Championships and Achievements Home Stadium Information
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UAB Blazers

The UAB Blazers football team represents the University of Alabama at Birmingham in college football competitions.

Team History

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers football program has a unique history marked by both setbacks and triumphs. The program’s journey has seen periods of growth, surprising challenges, and inspiring resilience. Its story serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of its players, coaches, and fans.

The Blazers’ story ultimately is one of perseverance and determination. From its humble beginnings to its recent successes, the UAB football program has become a symbol of pride both for the university and the city of Birmingham, Alabama.

Foundation and Early Years

UAB football’s roots date back to 1989, with the university fielding its first team in 1991. Led by head coach Jim Hilyer, the Blazers began competing at the NCAA Division III level. The team made a swift transition, moving to Division I-AA in 1993 and ultimately joining the ranks of Division I-A (now known as the Football Bowl Subdivision, or FBS) in 1996.

Despite the challenges of building a program from the ground up, the Blazers demonstrated their potential early on. They achieved winning records in several of their initial seasons, setting the stage for future accomplishments. These early successes instilled a winning mindset that would pave the way for the program’s later achievements.

Notable Early Achievements

During the early years at the FBS level, UAB started to make its presence known. The team secured a number of impressive victories over established programs, including wins against teams from Power Five conferences. These wins demonstrated that the Blazers were a force to be reckoned with and signaled a bright future for the program.

One particularly significant milestone was the team’s first-ever bowl game appearance in 2004. Although the Blazers were defeated in the Hawaii Bowl, their participation marked a major achievement for the young program. Reaching a bowl game showcased the team’s upward trajectory and its ability to compete at the highest level of college football.

Periods of Change

UAB football faced a major setback in December 2014 when the university administration controversially decided to shut down the football program along with several other athletic teams. This decision sparked widespread outrage and protests from the UAB community and beyond. However, a groundswell of support, fueled by passionate alumni, students, and fans, ultimately led to the program’s reinstatement in 2015.

The Blazers returned to the field in 2017 after a two-year hiatus. This comeback was a phenomenal display of perseverance, as the team and its supporters faced the challenge of rebuilding the program. The determination demonstrated by the UAB community in the face of adversity became an integral part of the Blazers’ identity.

Championships and Achievements

Since their return to the gridiron, the Blazers have experienced a remarkable resurgence. In 2018, under the leadership of coach Bill Clark, the UAB Blazers achieved a historic season, capturing their first-ever Conference USA (C-USA) championship title. This victory was followed by the team’s first-ever bowl win at the Boca Raton Bowl.

The Blazers repeated their conference championship success in 2020, further solidifying their status as a contender in C-USA. The team has consistently posted winning seasons, establishing themselves as a competitive program with a bright future. Their recent achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication invested in resurrecting and elevating the UAB football program.

Home Stadium Information

The UAB Blazers proudly play their home games at Protective Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility located in downtown Birmingham. Protective Stadium opened in 2021 and boasts a capacity of 47,100, providing an electrifying atmosphere for fans and a formidable home-field advantage for the team.

The stadium’s modern amenities and energetic crowd create a home-field advantage that fuels the Blazers’ competitive spirit. Protective Stadium stands as a symbol of UAB’s commitment to excellence in athletics and plays an integral role in the continued growth of the football program.

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