The Birmingham community gathered Tuesday night for a celebratory drone show at Protective Stadium to unveil new lighting at the multi-use venue.

Employees, elected officials, business and community leaders, and project partners joined together in celebration as the Protective Stadium identification signage was officially turned on for the first time at Protective Stadium.

Last week, Protective announced a new visual identity, including an expressive logo and differentiated brand color, which the company says amplifies Protective’s purpose.

Attendees gathered to hear remarks from state and local elected officials as well as business and community partners. The event also featured a drone show 400 feet in the sky, including 60 drones timed with lighted audience wristbands, counting down to the lighting of Protective Stadium’s new indigo sign.

Rich Bielen, Protective president and CEO, said the company remains committed to its mission of serving the communities in which it holds a presence.

“Big things can happen when we collaborate toward a shared vision,” said Bielen. “I believe Birmingham has a bright future ahead, and Protective is proud to be part of bringing this stadium to life for our community. At Protective, we’ve been putting people first for more than a century – that will never change. Together, we’ll keep pushing to find better ways to contribute to the wellbeing and quality of life in our local communities, and Protective Stadium will offer many more opportunities to live out our purpose of being protectors.”

Governor Kay Ivey hailed the state’s partnership with the company and touted Protective’s dedication to serving Alabama communities.

“This is an exciting day for Birmingham and for the state of Alabama,” said Ivey. “Protective Stadium will have a tremendous impact on our state and in our communities. Most importantly, the public private partnership forged throughout this process has shown us what’s possible when we come together to achieve a common goal.”

Echoing Ivey’s sentiments was Mayor Randall Woodfin, who said Protective’s impact in the city will be felt for years to come.

“Birmingham’s greatest success stories are built on public private partnerships, and Protective Stadium is the latest example of that,” said Woodfin. “The lighting of the stadium is a significant milestone in our progress and showcases that Birmingham can shine brighter when we work together. We look forward to welcoming visitors and fans to Protective Stadium as we host world-class events that will help move our city forward.”

Casually taking our place in the Magic City skyline ⚡️ Thanks for having us, Birmingham. #ProtectiveStadium pic.twitter.com/9z4fZcRhdK

— Protective Stadium (@ProtectiveStdm) September 15, 2021

Protective Stadium will be home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazer football team. The stadium will also host The World Games opening and closing ceremonies in July 2022.

UAB president Ray Watts expressed his excitement about his university’s football team hosting its opponents at the state-of-the-art venue.

“This has been an incredible team effort, and we are proud to call Protective Stadium home to UAB Blazer football,” said Watts. “We look forward to welcoming our players, students and fans to this impressive facility in the heart of Birmingham.”

The release states that the $200 million multi-purpose stadium is the result of successful collaboration between the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Jefferson County, the City of Birmingham, the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation and the Birmingham corporate community.

BJCC Authority executive director and CEO Tad Snider praised the collaborative effort of the company and community partners.

“The stadium has long been a part of the strategic vision for the BJCC and its board of directors,” said Snider. “When the Authority took action following the return of the UAB football program and began to assemble the public-private support of the many partners in this project, it was clear the stadium would be an opportunity to showcase the momentum of the City of Birmingham.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL