Birmingham mayor wants to see growth continue with domed stadium | News

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- With Birmingham opening a new ballpark, entertainment district and hotel, Mayor William Bell says a domed stadium will continue the city's economic growth.

During his state of the city message Tuesday, at the Kiwanis Club meeting, Bell noted that the city's finances have improved and that it will benefit from the $150 million bond issue citizens approved last year.

But he says the Magic City Classic and the 60,000 people who attended the BBVA Compass Bowl show that the effort to turn Birmingham into a sports venue is paying off.

"Because each year we put money in to improve the look the appearance of Legion Field we were able to showcase it when ESPN turned their cameras on that field…But can we continue to do that and compete with other areas? No. We've got to come up with a viable venue such as a domed facility and it's something that's doable," Bell said.

The mayor also says although the state has taken over the city school system, he expects to see more streamlined operations, conservative financing and a stronger commitment to the curriculum.

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