University of North Alabama continues with phase one of new stadium plan

FLORENCE, Ala. (WAFF) - Construction on the new Bank Independent Stadium could be starting sooner than expected.

Officials with the University of North Alabama say they are ready to begin the first phase of construction.

With these facilities coming down to make room for the new stadium, Athletic director Josh Looney said they will build a new turf field on Cox Creek Parkway to be used in the meantime.

That way the soccer team, football team and band all have a place to go while they are building the new facilities.

“We want this to be something that everyone in the shoals and throughout North Alabama can enjoy and be apart of our campus,” Dr. Looney said.

Looney said the new Bank Independent Stadium will be multipurpose. The stadium and the area surrounding will house the football and soccer complex, as well as the new baseball complex.

“We want this to be a facility that’s a 365 day a year use,” Dr. Looney said. “So you have three different sports that are utilizing that. We expect the broader campus and community to utilize that stadium. That is still the goal in mind.”

Looney said they are ready to move to phase one of construction which will include taking down the old facilities, developing the land and digging a bowl for the new stadium shape.

He said he is very excited about certain details of all the new facilities.

He also said they are building innovative facilities now that will allow for growth in the future in case they want to expand.

“Braly Stadium has a lot of history, but having something that’s special to us and unique to us it would put us on par with a lot of other schools on our level,” Mike Ezekiel said.

Mike Ezekiel is a former student of UNA and currently works in the athletic department. He said he has been waiting on a new stadium to call home.

“Being a student and having that as your home and knowing on game days this is where I come,” Ezekiel said. “For spring concerts, it’s right there. The community theme. It will be really special.”

The next phase of the plan is expected to cost around twelve to fourteen million dollars. Looney said they are still calculating what the total cost of the stadium could be.

The stadium is expected to be finished around the 2026 school year.

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