Today, Nick and Terry Saban honored 70 teachers at the 13th Annual Teacher Excellence Awards Luncheon at the Tuscaloosa River Market. During the luncheon, the Sabans unveiled the latest renderings of Saban Center — a first-of-its-kind learning campus to be constructed in Tuscaloosa’s River District.
“We are honored to recognize these amazing teachers at the 13th Annual Teacher Excellence Awards Luncheon. As a teacher myself, I know how hard they work,” Terry Saban said. “We were also excited to release the latest rendering of Saban Center at the luncheon. Saban Center will be a resource for these teachers and all educators across the state. It seemed only fitting that we show them first.”
According to the foundation, Saban Center will be a launchpad for those looking to enhance their lives through innovative, interactive learning. By offering hands-on learning experiences for students and educators, the campus will foster curiosity, confidence and leadership skills for all who visit. Saban Center’s innovative campus will house the State of Alabama STEM Hub, the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and IGNITE, formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum.
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“Saban Center is a passion project for Mrs. Terry and me,” said Coach Nick Saban. “We’re building Saban Center to support these teachers and all the teachers in Alabama. Education provides opportunities, and our life’s work is about providing opportunities for kids. Saban Center will allow us to continue that mission, providing opportunities for students, teachers, families and visitors to Alabama for generations to come.”
At today’s luncheon, teachers heard about how Saban Center will be a place to receive training and bring their students to learn more about science, technology, engineering and math.
“We are excited to show everyone the latest renderings of Saban Center,” said Audrey Buck, executive director of Saban Center. “When it opens, Saban Center will revolutionize how the children of Alabama and beyond learn about arts and sciences. We are building a first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art campus that will partner with teachers and families to provide a hands-on learning experience that will supplement what students are already learning in the classroom.”
The new renderings, designed by Steinburg Hart architect Malcolm Holzman, highlight the various areas of the campus. Saban Center will be constructed using Alabama-sourced materials.
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“It has been an honor to collaborate with Saban Center stakeholders on the design of this project, a place which will inspire visitors of all ages,” said Malcolm Holzman of architecture firm Steinberg Hart. “Home to a multitude of interactive and energizing STEM, arts and cultural environments, the Saban Center will feature curved facades crafted of recycled Alabama marble, at once enclosing and presenting these engaging activities to the world beyond its walls.
With strong support from partners like the State of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Education and private companies, Saban Center will provide children across the state with new educational opportunities, foster a love of learning and introduce them to various career paths. Saban Center will be located in the River District of Tuscaloosa on the old Tuscaloosa News building site. Demolition has already begun, and the campus is slated to open in 2027.
“The Saban family’s commitment to education is unparalleled, and Saban Center will serve as a testament to their transformative impact not only in Tuscaloosa but throughout the entire state of Alabama,” said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. “The City of Tuscaloosa is profoundly grateful for their vision and generosity. We eagerly anticipate seeing these remarkable renderings brought to life, as well as the lasting benefits the Saban Center will bring to students, educators and families across our state and beyond.”
In addition to the architectural design reveal, teachers were treated to lunch and also received a certificate and $500 in gift cards purchased by Nick’s Kids Foundation. According to the foundation, these teachers were selected for their exceptional hard work and unwavering dedication to education and the children in our community.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
