In 2020, Bryant-Denny Stadium at the University of Alabama underwent a major renovation to enhance and expand premium seating options. The $86 million expansion and renovation added 3,800 new premium seats, three new club areas, 26 suites, and 54 loge boxes.
To maximize space and views, the project demolished the existing seventh-floor Press Box and extended the floor slab to cantilever over Wallace Wade Drive on the west side. This created the Founders Club and 12 Founders Suites, which aimed to provide a luxurious game-day experience for the University’s highest-level donors and guests.
The Founders Club features private parking and a first level Lobby entrance with dedicated elevators. The University desired a club space that reflected campus tradition with elegant features to warmly welcome members upon entering the Founders Lobby. Upon arrival in the Founders Club, donors are greeted by life-size commissioned art paintings of Alabama’s four National Championship winning coaches, upscale food and beverage options, and access to a private lounge and bar. A curated collection of football trophies are displayed prominently throughout the space, as are the bronze Hall of Fame plaques that flank the bar. The Architects worked to utilize the constraints of the existing building to order the space, creating bays of suite entries and gathering areas. Crown-molding was used to conceal large structural angles while stained wood paneling column wraps concealed structure and utilities. The club included a full-service bar anchored by a 40’ long custom wool rug. Additionally, lounge and gathering areas provide guests with the opportunity to relax and mingle. Fans in both the Founders Club and Founders Suites have priority access to other areas of the stadium on game day, as well as tickets to various VIP events.
The 750SF Founders Suites aimed to optimize the game-day experience for up to 24 people and were designed with the suite-holders comfort in mind with luxurious seating, a private restroom, and upscale food and beverage options. Each suite has the holder’s name engraved in a bronze plaque above the entry, as well as personalized liquor lockers at the 32’ foot long bar in the Club. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls facing the field fold away into customized pockets to completely open the suite to luxury rockers and recliners, each emblazoned with the Script A. Quartz drink rails, individual charging stations, built-in heaters and ceiling fans give patrons all the comforts of home. Inside the suite, kitchenettes with full paneled refrigerators and induction warmers are available for guests to enjoy upscale food and beverages throughout game day. Large format TVs and premium sound systems can be controlled by local input. Suite holders had the opportunity to select individual customized interior finishes, decorative hardware, lighting fixtures, furniture, and upholstery from a carefully coordinated palette of choices curated by the Interior Designers. The options included custom wool rugs branded with the Script A and the University’s own registered Tartan, “We are Crimson.”
The Champions Club flanks the Founders Club on the north and south sides of the stadium and offers comfortable seating, upscale food and beverage options, and access to individual liquor lockers. Upgraded premium seating in the stadium provides a VIP experience for fans who want to enjoy the game in style and comfort. The intent of the Champions Club is to celebrate Alabama’s legacy of champions – the north Champions Club features graphics and branding for 18 National Championships, while the south Champions Club commemorates 26 SEC Championships. Both Champions Clubs are similar in price-point to the University’s existing Zone Clubs but feature a high-end living room aesthetic with various types of seating for both small group lounging and larger gatherings.
The Terrace Club is located on level six, just below the Champions Clubs, and is different from any other club area in the stadium. Open air, with billowing white curtains, the Terrace Club has the look and feel of a high-end hotel rooftop bar. It offers similar amenities as the Champions Club, including exclusive access to private lounges and bars, upscale concessions offerings, as well as premium loge box seating with great views of the field. The Loge Boxes include in-seat service, and ordering is done via a tablet at each pair of seats. Various grab and go concessions allow this VIP area to be extremely fan-friendly during tense games. The wide open club area is a great place for families and friends to gather on game days.
Each of the added premium seating options in Bryant-Denny Stadium offers a unique and luxurious game-day experience for fans. From the exclusive Founders Club and Founders Suites to the comfortable Champions Club and hip Terrace Club, there is an option to fit the needs and preferences of any fan.
Robin Fuller