FLORENCE, Ala. — The University of North Alabama has officially celebrated a major milestone in the construction of its first-ever on-campus football stadium — the topping out of Bank Independent Stadium, a $65 million, state-of-the-art multipurpose facility set to open in the fall of 2026.

On July 31, 2025, university leaders, alumni, project partners, and community members gathered as the final structural beam was set in place, marking roughly the halfway point of construction.

Representatives from HPM, the Birmingham-based construction program management firm overseeing the project, joined UNA officials in commemorating the event.

A Historic First for UNA

Breaking ground in June 2024, the stadium is a first in the university’s 193-year history, giving the UNA Lions football program a permanent on-campus home.

The new venue, Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium, will feature:

• A three-level press tower with concessions, restrooms, suites, and a club level
• A “home tunnel” connecting the home locker room directly to CB&S Bank Arena
• A 2,760-square-foot video board at the northeast end for game-day and community event use
• 360-degree concourse access, allowing fans to walk around the stadium without losing sight of the action

The design integrates the stadium into a redeveloped athletic complex, replacing and upgrading spaces previously used for football, baseball, soccer, and marching band practices.

Built for More Than Football

While it will be the centerpiece for UNA football games, the stadium is designed to serve multiple purposes. In addition to athletics, the venue will host:

• Soccer matches
• Baseball games
• Concerts and live performances
• Community festivals and gatherings

"Today's topping out is one of many milestones in the construction of Bank Independent Stadium that UNA and North Alabama Athletics will be celebrating," the university said in a statement. "We continue to work closely with our partners at HPM to ensure [the project's] timelines and [see that] each phase [is] on schedule. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff are eager to use this great facility to enjoy football, soccer and baseball games."

Engineering and Design Precision

The massive undertaking required careful sequencing of work. The practice field was completed first so teams could continue training during construction. A mass excavation lowered the football field approximately 15 feet below grade, with the excavated soil repurposed as fill material for the future baseball field.

This type of planning, HPM officials say, ensures the facility will function seamlessly from opening day.

"Bank Independent Stadium is a long-awaited project that the community has been excited about since its announcement, and HPM is proud to help bring the school's dynamic vision to life along with our numerous design and construction partners," said Matt Ernst, senior project manager for HPM.

Collaboration Across the Industry

The project is the result of a first-time partnership between UNA and HPM. Other key partners include:

• Fite Building Co. (General Contractor, Decatur, AL)
• Davis Architects (Birmingham-based architecture firm)
• Ampere (Missouri-based sports venue design specialists)

HPM brings a strong track record in sports facility management, having worked on Bryant-Denny Stadium, Protective Life Stadium, Regions Field, and Legacy Arena, among others.

A Boost for the Region

Florence Mayor Andrew Betterton and local leaders believe the stadium will be a game-changer for both the university and the surrounding Shoals area — drawing visitors, boosting tourism revenue, and providing a year-round venue for events.

With seating capacity for thousands and amenities to rival larger programs, Bank Independent Stadium aims to enhance the gameday atmosphere for fans while creating new traditions for UNA students and alumni.

When completed in 2026, the stadium will stand as both a symbol of pride for the university and a new hub of activity for northwest Alabama — proof that strategic partnerships and community investment can turn long-standing dreams into lasting landmarks.

Originally reported by University of North Alabama in Construction Equipment Guide.