Minor league, major impact on Downtown BHM
June 13, 2025 · Culture & History, Engage, Entertainment, Family Friendly, Live, Sports, Visit
In a region where college football typically dominates the headlines, Birmingham offers something a bit different: A walkable and diverse minor league sports environment with four teams located downtown. According to a 2024 study by Coastal Carolina University, only Des Moines, Oklahoma City, San Jose and Birmingham have achieved this kind of centralized sports synergy.
But the Magic City’s distinction is more than statistical. It’s cultural, and it plays a key part in keeping our downtown vibrant. Before we dig deeper, let’s meet our downtown teams!
A league of their own: The Magic City’s home teams
Birmingham Barons
Minor League Baseball
The Birmingham Barons are a Minor League Baseball team and the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. With a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, the Barons play their home games at Regions Field in Downtown BHM’s Parkside district.
Birmingham Stallions
United Football League (UFL)
The Birmingham Stallions are a professional American football team that competes in the UFL. Originally established in 1983, the Stallions were reintroduced in 2022 and have quickly become a dominant force in the league, winning championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024 – giddy up!
Birmingham Legion FC
United Soccer League (USL)
Founded in 2018, Birmingham Legion FC is a professional soccer club competing in the USL. The team plays its home matches at Protective Stadium – located in Downtown BHM’s Uptown district – and is committed to fostering a passion for soccer in the Birmingham community.
Birmingham Squadron
NBA G League
The Birmingham Squadron is a professional basketball team competing in the NBA G League as the affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans. Established in 2021, the Squadron plays home games at Legacy Arena and serves as a key developmental hub for future NBA talent while delivering exciting basketball to fans in the ‘ham.
Downtown vibrancy you can measure
Now that we’re caught up to speed, let’s talk impact. Minor league sports don’t just fill seats — they fuel cities. In Birmingham, these teams are doing more than playing games; they’re activating downtown in ways few other attractions can.
Unlike massive pro stadiums that often sit idle between headline events, Birmingham’s minor league venues stay busy year-round. They host hundreds of games, concerts, community events and more — creating a steady buzz that keeps people coming back.
Just look at the foot traffic in 2024 alone:
- Regions Field – 226,600 visits
- Protective Stadium – 379,100 visits
- Legacy Arena – 756,100 visits
While those numbers include more than just sports fans, every minor league game has the potential to draw thousands of visitors — not just from Birmingham, but from across the state. It’s a ripple effect: fans come downtown for a game, grab dinner, enjoy a drink after, maybe even stay overnight — and then start planning their next trip back.
That kind of momentum drives vibrancy.
Take the story of the Birmingham Barons’ move to Regions Field in the Parkside district. When the team relocated in 2013, it didn’t just bring baseball downtown — it sparked a wave of transformation. A review of Jefferson County property records showed a 125% average increase in property values for more than 100 nearby parcels between 2013 and 2014. What started as a $64 million investment in the stadium helped ignite more than $500 million in new development — from apartments and hotels to shops and restaurants.
One example? Good People Brewing Company, Alabama’s oldest and largest brewery. The brewery moved to Parkside in 2010, but co-owner Michael Sellers has said the arrival of Regions Field helped convince them to expand their taproom and build out a patio — giving fans yet another reason to stick around after the final pitch.
Supporting what’s ours: Cheering on the ‘ham
However, Birmingham’s minor league teams are more than feeder systems to the majors — they’re part of our civic identity. They offer affordable, accessible and intimate sports experiences that bring together families, young professionals and die-hard fans alike. There’s something personal about sitting close enough to hear a coach’s instructions, catching a foul ball or meeting the MVPs after a game.
These teams reflect who we are: resilient, passionate and full of promise. Because when you support Birmingham’s minor league sports, you’re not just watching a game — you’re investing in a player’s dream, our city’s culture and a downtown that’s redefining what it means to be a sports destination in the South.
And maybe most importantly: it’s just plain fun!
So the next time you’re looking for something to do in downtown Birmingham, gather your crew, cheer on our teams and remember — you’re not just watching minor league sports.
You’re witnessing something major.
Read More
Safeguarding history, one easement at a time
REV Birmingham believes the Magic City’s historic buildings are more than beautiful — they’re essential to the city’s identity, vibrancy and future. That’s why we’ve spent May, National Historic Preservation Month, spotlighting the tools that help protect and celebrate these places: first, the National Register of Historic Places; then, the power of historic tax credits. Now, we’re […]