Governor Kay Ivey, legendary Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban, Ms. Terry Saban, and a host of local officials and sponsors broke ground on the Saban Center on Wednesday morning.
The ceremony was followed by a community celebration at the Tuscaloosa River Market, co-hosted by the City of Tuscaloosa and the Saban Center.
Speakers at the event, including Governor Ivey, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Ms. Terry Saban, Saban Center Director Audrey Buck, and Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie A. Bryan, each spoke to the significance of the project and the impact it will have on children and families across Alabama.
“As an educator, I have always believed that when you invest in children, you’re investing in the future,” said Ms. Terry Saban. “The Saban Center is a dream Nick and I have had for many years and we are so proud to see this vision finally coming to life. The Tuscaloosa community and the State of Alabama mean so much to our family, and I can’t wait to create a place where children can learn and grow.”
“From day one, a top priority of my administration has been giving every child in Alabama the tools they need to succeed,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “I’m proud to stand with the Saban family as we invest in the next generation of Alabama leaders.”
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Scheduled for completion in 2027, the Saban Center will be a landmark educational campus that integrates STEM education with the arts. Designed to promote hands-on learning and innovation, it will include key partners such as Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and IGNITE (formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum), as well as public-private educational collaborations from across the state. The center will serve as a hub for teacher training, student enrichment, arts engagement, and workforce development.
“Success rarely occurs in isolation, and today is a reflection of so many who came together to secure a brighter future for our children and community,” said Mayor Walt Maddox. “The Saban Center is a first-of-its-kind hub for education; featuring immersive STEM and arts programs in a way that represents our commitment to the next generation. It is an honor to partner with the Saban family, the State of Alabama and all of the community partners who have made this project possible.”
The Saban Center will be located in the River District of Tuscaloosa, near the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater, Parker-Haun Park, and downtown Tuscaloosa.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a celebration and testament of our deep commitment to shaping the future of Tuscaloosa,” said Saban Center Director Audrey Buck. “By bringing the Saban Center to life, we are encouraging children to dream big and stay curious.”
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During the ceremony, the Poarch Creek Indians announced a $5 million donation to the project, further solidifying the major partnership announced earlier in the week.
“The Saban Center will create lasting opportunities for generations of young Alabamians and their families,” said Stephanie A. Bryan, Chair and CEO of the Poarch Creek Indians. “The mission of the Saban Center closely aligns with our tribe’s values and hopes for the future, and we are honored to be able to contribute financially to this visionary project.”
This gift marks one of the largest contributions to the Saban Center to date.
“Nick and I are deeply honored to receive this generous donation from the Poarch Creek Indians,” said Ms. Terry Saban. “Their commitment and passion for shaping a brighter future for our children is truly inspiring.”
The Saban Center will act as a launchpad for those seeking to enhance their lives through immersive, interactive learning.
By offering dynamic experiences for both students and educators, the campus will foster curiosity, confidence, and leadership skills. In addition to housing the Alabama STEM Hub, IGNITE, and the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre, the center aims to bring together arts, education, discovery, and innovation to prepare the next generation of Alabama’s workforce.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
