UNA’s Major Upgrade with the Bank Independence Stadium

The University of North Alabama has a major upgrade for the men’s baseball team. On June 14th, 2024, the university broke ground on the Bank Independence Stadium which will include a multi-purpose turf field and track that will be available for academic, athletic, intramural and community use. This project has been in the works for over 50 years, and is huge for not just the University’s campus, but the athletes who get to experience playing on a brand-new field, doing what they love. The construction is still in progress but is getting closer to being accomplished as the team gets ready for their regular season to start.

The University has undergone several changes around the campus over the years, and here recently there have been multiple projects in the works such as a new dormitory that is replacing what used to be Lafayette Hall. These upgrades will benefit the campus’s appearance but will also benefit many current and incoming students. Additionally, it will provide students and athletes with convenient access to top-tier facilities, promoting physical activity, team cohesion, and a dynamic campus experience.

A lot of questions have been raised with the construction going on such as “will this raise

tuition?” and “will students now have to pay for tickets?” The answer is no. According to the athletic department, the university has no plan on raising the tuition rate due to any

construction and will continue to have free student tickets for all athletic events. Allowing students to have access to free tickets for sporting events gives the student body the opportunity to support the athletes representing UNA.