BJCC Concert Hall
The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall (formerly Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Concert Hall) is a 2,700-seat performance hall built in 1973 as part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center.
The facility was dedicated on Monday, August 5, 1974, immediately prior to a performance of "The Odd Couple" featuring the Jack Klugman and Tony Randall from the TV sitcom cast, both of whom were presented with Keys to the City by Mayor George Seibels.
The hall has an 84 by 88-foot stage with a 24-foot tall proscenium and a 105-foot tall grid, making it the tallest building in the complex. Backstage facilities include two chorus rooms and 12 dressing rooms, as well as two rehearsal areas and a reception room used as a VIP lounge. The facility is equipped with a pipe organ.
When constructed, the hall served as the home of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Acoustically the space was well-suited to recordings, but was considered to have too many "dead spots" for live performances. The symphony relocated to the 1,300-seat Jemison Concert Hall at the Alys Stephens Center for symphonic concerts in 1996, but continues to use the BJCC for its pops series. Broadway Across America and other concerts and shows continue to use the hall.
Originally the hall had 3,000 seats, but an $11 million renovation completed in 2008 reduced the total number of seats in order to comply with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Other renovations included new lobby and concourse amenities and decor, including illuminated walls and fiber-optic chandeliers as well as new carpeting, furniture and railings. Restrooms were completely renovated and a martini bar and new concession areas were added. The glazed wall facing the courtyard now has automatically-adjusting sunshades. Other improvements include fire sprinklers, new lighting rigs and stage flooring. The lobby and concourse renovations were designed by Davis Architects.
Acoustical improvements were not part of the 2008 renovation.
As part of the 2022 World Games, the Concert Hall hosted the powerlifting competition.
References
- Huebner, Michael (September 8, 2008) "BJCC completes $11 million concert hall makeover." The Birmingham News
External links
- BJCC Concert Hall and Theatre at bjcc.org
- BJCC Lobby Club Spaces at dadot.com