Special Collection Treasures

Legion Field is a large outdoor stadium in the Graymont neighborhood of Birmingham. Construction was completed in 1927 and the stadium was named Legion Field in honor of the American Legion, a nonprofit organization of U.S. war veterans. Around town the stadium is often affectionately referred to as The Old Gray Lady. After completion, she offered 21,000 seats as a venue. Now, she has around 71,000 seats.

The stadium was dedicated on November 17, 1927.

In the first game at the historic Legion Field, Howard College (now Samford University) took on local rival, Birmingham Southern College. Howard won the game 9 to 0. Including that first game. Samford’s record at the stadium consists of 34 wins, 17 losses, and 3 tied games.

Over the years, the stadium has primarily been used as a local football venue hosting events such as high school football games, The Iron Bowl, UAB football, The Magic City Classic, and pro football.

Legion Field has also served as a stadium for the Olympics, an arena for the Billy Graham Crusade, a venue for concerts, and the setting for the movie Woodlawn. During the summer of 2022, the stadium was used to help host the World Games.