The University of North Alabama has opened Bank Independent Stadium, marking a major milestone in the university’s nearly 50-year effort to bring an on-campus football stadium to life.
A historic first for UNA football
The stadium officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the North Alabama Lions played their first home football game on campus.
Nearly 12,000 students, alumni and fans attended the inaugural game, where UNA defeated Alcorn State 38-20.
The new facility features Bobby Wallace Field and now serves as the home of Lion Athletics.
A major project for the Shoals
The stadium represents the completion of a long-standing vision for the university and the surrounding Shoals community.
Davis Architects designed Bank Independent Stadium, while HPM served as program manager and owner’s representative. Ampere provided sports consulting, and Fite Building Company served as the general contractor for the football stadium portion of the project.
The project brought together the university and several partners to create a new athletic facility and community gathering space.
A new gathering place for the community
Opening day brought together students, athletes, alumni, fans, local businesses and other members of the community.
University officials said the strong turnout demonstrated the significance of the stadium beyond football. The facility is expected to provide a place for future generations to experience UNA athletics while creating opportunities for the university and Shoals community to connect.
With its first game now complete, Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium begins a new chapter for Lion Athletics and on-campus events at UNA.
