Bank Independent Stadium Opens at the University of North Alabama, Marking Historic Milestone for UNA
Bank Independent Stadium | Photo: Christy Radecic Photography
The University of North Alabama celebrated a historic milestone with the opening of Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium, bringing to life a vision for an on-campus stadium nearly 50 years in the making.
Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday evening, the North Alabama Lions took the field Saturday for the first football game ever played on UNA's campus. Nearly 12,000 students, alumni and fans filled the stadium and surrounding campus as UNA defeated Alcorn State 38–20 in its inaugural game.
Davis Architects served as architect for Bank Independent Stadium, with HPM serving as program manager and owner's representative. The team also included Ampere as sports consultant and Fite Building Company as general contractor for the football stadium package. Together with the University of North Alabama and the broader consultant team, the project partners helped transform a nearly 50-year vision for an on-campus stadium into a new home for Lion Athletics and a gathering place for the greater Shoals community.
A Vision Decades in the Making
Bank Independent Stadium | Photo: Christy Radecic Photography
The idea of an on-campus stadium at UNA dates back nearly 50 years. Bank Independent Stadium transforms that vision into a new center of activity at the heart of campus, bringing Lion Athletics closer to campus life while creating a gathering place for students, alumni, fans and the community.
Throughout the planning and design process, the goal extended beyond creating a venue for competition. The stadium was envisioned around the complete gameday and campus experience, from tailgating along The Pines and the Lion Walk to gathering along the concourse and filling the stands at kickoff. Opening weekend offered the first glimpse of that vision fully realized.
“Opening weekend was an incredible moment for everyone who helped bring this project to life. After years of planning, design, and construction, it was amazing to finally see Bank Independent Stadium filled with nearly 12,000 passionate fans and experience the energy of UNA football on campus for the first time. Seeing the excitement throughout the stadium and the community was truly special, and we’re incredibly proud to have been part of bringing this vision to reality.” — CJ Brennan, Project Architect, Davis Architects
“One of the most rewarding parts of our work is helping a client turn a big idea into something people can actually experience. This was our first opportunity to work with UNA, and from the beginning, there was a shared vision for Bank Independent Stadium to be more than a football venue. Bringing that vision to life took a tremendous collaborative effort, from our longstanding partnership with Davis Architects to the contractors and every member of the broader project team. Now, seeing students, alumni, families and fans gathering here and making memories is something all of us can take pride in.” — Trent Hall, Program Executive, HPM
A Partnership Built Over Time
Bank Independent Stadium | Photo: Christy Radecic Photography
Bank Independent Stadium represents the latest chapter in a longstanding relationship between Davis Architects and HPM. Over the years, the two Birmingham-based firms have collaborated on a range of complex higher education and athletics projects, building a partnership grounded in trust, communication and complementary expertise.
At The University of Alabama, that shared history includes a number of significant campus projects, from renovations and expansions of Bryant-Denny Stadium, including the South End Zone Expansion, to the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility and Dining Hall, Foster Auditorium, the Science and Engineering Complex, and the South Engineering Research Center.
That established working relationship provided a strong foundation at UNA, where Davis and HPM once again brought their complementary expertise to a complex higher education and athletics project. Building on years of collaboration, the two firms worked closely with the University and the broader project team to help bring UNA's vision for Bank Independent Stadium to life.
Deep Roots, A New Chapter
The opening carries particular significance for two organizations with longstanding ties to Alabama. Founded in 1830, the University of North Alabama is Alabama's first public four-year university. Davis Architects, founded in 1912, is Alabama's oldest continually operating architecture firm.
Bank Independent Stadium brings those histories together in a new place designed to become part of the UNA experience for generations to come.
Project Highlights
Built on the site of the old soccer and football practice field, the new football stadium was rotated 44.4° to fit on the site.
The design team consisted of architects and engineers from Florence, AL; Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Kansas City, MO; Meriden, KS; and Golden, CO.
Soil fill from the excavation of the football seating bowl was used to grade the new Mike D. Lane Baseball Stadium.
“September 19th was a special day for the University of North Alabama and the entire Shoals community. From the moment the gates opened to Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium, you could feel the excitement and pride throughout. The incredible support from the community, fans, alumni, students, athletes, and local businesses showed just how meaningful this new facility is to the area. Seeing everyone come together to celebrate the opening made the day about much more than a game—it was a celebration of the community and the opportunities this field will create for future generations. The success and energy of opening day showed that Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium is not just a new place to play, but a place where the university and community can come together to create lasting memories.” — Ryan Adams, Director of Athletic Facilities and Events, UNA
Bank Independent Stadium | Photo: Christy Radecic Photography
About HPM
HPM provides comprehensive planning, design and construction-related experience to offer clients a one-stop approach to complete program management and owner’s representation. From real estate acquisition analysis and facilities assessments to construction auditing and move management, HPM services clients in aerospace, automotive, sports and entertainment venues, commercial and industrial, higher education, K-12 and state and local government. With a footprint of accounts, projects and offices spanning throughout the US, the HPM team manages its work for national and international clients while providing a flexible, scalable team of experts at just the right time in the life of your facilities. For more information, please visit www.hpmleadership.com.
Project Team
Owner: University of North Alabama
Architect: Davis Architects
Program Manager / Owner's Representative: HPM
Sports Consultant: Ampere
General Contractor – Football Stadium Package: Fite Building Company
About Davis Architects
Founded in 1912, Davis Architects is Alabama’s oldest continually operating architecture firm, nationally recognized for designing purposeful spaces. From educational campuses and athletic facilities to cultural landmarks, performance venues and more, we partner with clients to create spaces that serve generations. With a team of experienced architects and a broad range of design services, we start with performance and layer in design to help clients create functional, enduring spaces that leave a lasting impression. For more information, please visit www.dadot.com