Florida faces East Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl on Jan. 3.

Though Birmingham’s Legion Field isn’t the flashiest venue in college football, Birmingham is a thriving city with many entertainment and shopping options downtown and in the surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re visiting one of the southern suburbs such as Homewood, Mountain Brook or Hoover or are at the new Outlet Shops at Grand River, just a short drive northeast of downtown Birmingham, fans heading to central Alabama will have plenty for which to look forward.

Where To Stay:

For visitors seeking a unique stay, The Tutwiler — a national historic landmark in the heart of downtown Birmingham — offers traditional southern elegance. Having hosted dignitaries since 1914, The Tutwiler features modern amenities in a beautifully historic building.

The new Sheraton Birmingham is a top-of-the-line stay near the newly-opened Uptown Entertainment District. Fans can enjoy a special game day rate at the Sheraton, just a short walk from the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center and the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Aloft Hotels, just minutes south of downtown Birmingham, features a modernized take on hotels. Situated in the heart of downtown Homewood, Soho Square is right across the street and features great restaurants and wonderful shopping.

Restaurant Suggestions

Downtown Birmingham: Texas de Brazil ($$$$), Brick and Tin (Lunch daily, Dinner on Friday nights, Sunday brunch; $), The Southern Kitchen Bar ($$), Highlands Bar & Grill ($$$$), The Veranda ($$$), The Fish Market ($$), Hot and Hot Fish Club ($$$$)

Homewood, Mountain Brook, Hoover area: The Boot ($), Saw’s BBQ ($), Salem’s Diner ($), Avo ($$$), DoDiYos ($$$), Taco Mama ($), Davenport’s Pizza ($$)

Uptown Entertainment District area: Bottle and Bone ($$), Mugshots ($$), Cantina Laredo ($$$)

Things To Do

The Civil Rights Institute is a must in downtown Birmingham. Birmingham is a city full of history, both good and bad, and the CRI chronicles the messy past of the state of Alabama.

The Alabama Theatre is a great venue for movies or concerts. Open since 1927, visitors walk in back in time when they walk through the doors of the Alabama Theatre, and is a great spot for families.

The Summit just southwest of downtown Birmingham provides a fantastic, high-end shopping experience for visitors. There are great shops and restaurants at The Summit, great for an evening or afternoon spent browsing.

Located just 45 minutes east of Birmingham, the renowned Talladega Motor Speedway is a must-see for visitors. Tours are available, and provide a breathtaking, in-depth look at one of sports’ greatest venues.

The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, located downtown, offers visitors a fantastic insight into the storied history and athletes associated with the state of Alabama. It’s a great, easygoing place for all sports fans.

Bars

Birmingham is home to a number of fanatic breweries, most notably Avondale Brewery and Good People Brewery. Avondale boasts a great backyard area with a concert stage, along with an outdoor bar. Adjacent to the new Regions Park, Good People is located in a growing part of downtown that is lively on most nights.

Dram is a whisky bar located in the suburb of Mountain Brook. For visitors looking for a more unique bar experience should visit Dram.

Downtown boasts a number of bars, highlighted by Urban Standard. A pub-like atmosphere, Urban Standard has great food and drinks, along with TV viewing experiences and concerts.

Getting To The Stadium

Legion Field is located west of downtown Birmingham, not in the best part of town. Fans won’t be staying near the stadium, though most hotels provide shuttles during bowl week. General parking around the stadium costs $10, with RV parking also available.

Be cautious around the stadium. Fans with families need to be mindful of circumstances around the stadium.