[Blazer85]

Seems as though the BJCC Expansion might finally have some wheels to it. The mayor of Birmingham and the president of the Jeff. Co. Comm. have tenatively agreed on an expansion plan that would not include the 65,000 seat dome. It would, however, include a 40,000-seat arena which could be used for large events and even UAB football games. Also, added convention space, hotels, and an entertainment district would be included in the current plan.

The City of Birmingham already has about $8M a year pledged. The county comm. had been pledging about $10M a year, but that was set to expire this year I believe. Gov. Riley also suggested that if the city and county could agree, the state would assist in some financial capacity as well. Even ardent dome-supporter Sen. John Rogers is willing to put aside his ambitions for the current time if an agreement between the city and county can be finalized. Cautiously optimistic, but it would appear we might FINALLY see something come of this whole BJCC Expansion debate which has lasted for decades it would seem.