The project has been years in the making and is largely credited to Nick and Terry Saban, whose..
In a landmark decision that promises to transform downtown Tuscaloosa, the Tuscaloosa City Council has officially awarded a $74 million construction contract for the long-anticipated Saban Center, named in honor of legendary Alabama football coach Nick Saban.
Approved on June 11, 2025, the contract was awarded to Stone Building, LLC, a Birmingham-based construction firm. The Saban Center, when complete, will be a state-of-the-art educational and cultural complex aimed at serving children and families throughout West Alabama. It will house a STEM hub, the Children’s Hands-On Museum (CHOM), a public library branch, and a children’s theatre. The facility is expected to open in summer 2027 and will sit on the former site of the Tuscaloosa News building.
The project has been years in the making and is largely credited to Nick and Terry Saban, whose philanthropic arm—Nick’s Kids Foundation—has played a key role in promoting educational initiatives throughout the region. The Saban Center is expected to become a centerpiece of downtown Tuscaloosa’s revitalization efforts and a hub for hands-on learning and literacy.
While the council gave the green light to the Saban Center project, it postponed a vote on a controversial proposed development: a Sports Illustrated-branded resort located at 105 Rice Mine Road North. The resort proposal has generated considerable public interest and will now be reviewed in the council’s next scheduled meeting.
In addition to these high-profile decisions, the council also recognized Juneteenth as an official city holiday, further affirming the city’s commitment to honoring African American history and culture. Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is now a federal holiday.
The Saban Center contract approval marks a major milestone in Tuscaloosa’s ongoing commitment to education and community development. With Nick Saban’s legacy extending far beyond the football field, the center bearing his name will stand as a long-term investment in the region’s youth and future.
📣 Tuscaloosa residents: Get ready for a transformative new chapter downtown. Share if you’re excited about the Saban Center and what it means for Alabama’s next generation.
