Tuscaloosa officials award $74M contract to Stone Building Co. to construct Saban Center, set to open in 2027. Named after Nick Saban, the facility will house education resources, STEM Hub and interactive learning experiences. Construction to begin in July.
Elevate Tuscaloosa render
A render of the new Saban Center.
The City of Tuscaloosa, Ala. has taken another step in making the vision of the Saban Center a reality.
During the first week of June, 2025, city officials awarded a $74 million contract to Stone Building Co. in Vestavia Hills, Ala. for construction of the new education facility near the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater in downtown Tuscaloosa.
With the construction contract approved, a groundbreaking has now been scheduled for July with a grand opening expected in two years, Bama Buzz reported June 5, 2025.
"I always thought the amphitheater was an ambitious project," said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox during the city's public projects committee meeting. "This makes the amphitheater look like a walk in the park. I'm very proud of the work of our team and I think all of us are proud to present this today."
Named for former University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban and his wife Terry, the couple honored 70 teachers at the 13th Annual Teacher Excellence Awards luncheon at the Tuscaloosa River Market in December 2024. During the event, the couple unveiled the latest renderings of the Saban Center, a learning campus to be constructed in Tuscaloosa's River District.
A former educator herself, Terry Saban said that the new facility "will be a resource for these teachers and all educators across the state. It seemed only fitting that we show them first," noted a news release on the City of Tuscaloosa website.
In addition, Saban Center is designed to be a launchpad for those looking to enhance their lives through innovative, interactive learning. By offering hands-on learning experiences for students and educators, the campus will foster curiosity, confidence and leadership skills for all who visit.
Saban Center's campus will house the State of Alabama STEM Hub, the Tuscaloosa Children's Theatre and IGNITE, formerly the Children's Hands-On Museum.
"Saban Center is a passion project for Mrs. Terry and me," said Coach Saban. "We're building Saban Center to support these teachers and all the teachers in Alabama. Education provides opportunities and our life's work is about providing opportunities for kids. Saban Center will allow us to continue that mission, providing opportunities for students, teachers, families and visitors to Alabama for generations to come."
The project renderings, designed by Malcolm Holzman, an architect with Los Angeles-based Steinburg Hart, highlight the various areas of the campus.
"It has been an honor to collaborate with Saban Center stakeholders on the design of this project, a place which will inspire visitors of all ages," said Holzman. "Home to a multitude of interactive and energizing STEM, arts and cultural environments, the Saban Center will feature curved facades crafted of recycled Alabama marble, at once enclosing and presenting these engaging activities to the world beyond its walls."
With strong support from partners like the State of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Education and private companies, Saban Center will be located in the River District of Tuscaloosa on the old Tuscaloosa News building site.
Demolition has already begun and the campus is slated to open in 2027.
Contractor Beginning to Become Well Known in Alabama
Stone Building has started making a name for itself across the state, according to Bama Buzz.
Most recently, the company was selected for major projects including the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham and the 17 Springs multi-use development in Millbrook.
Some of its previous projects include Plainsman Park in Auburn, Mountain Brook High School, Bill Noble Park in Gardendale, One Pratt Park in Birmingham and the University of Alabama Birmingham basketball practice facility.
Stone's construction bid for Saban Center came in more than $6 million below the initial budget from the city.
The project is expected to last roughly 18 months, with an estimated completion slated for December 2026. That would allow for the building's final touches, including the installation of exhibits, to be finished in 2027.
In previous meetings, Tuscaloosa city leaders approved a $120 million total budget for the project which included construction, exhibits and more.
Bama Buzz noted that during a recent city projects committee meeting, city officials reported that Saban Center had received around $31 million in donations and pledged funds.
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