Ground broken for Saban Center in Tuscaloosa

Gov. Kay Ivey joins former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, his wife Terry Saban and other dignitaries in breaking ground for the Saban Center in Tuscaloosa, Wednesday, August 6, 2025 – Photo from the Office of Governor Kay Ivey/Hal Yeager

Ground has now been broken for the Saban Center in Tuscaloosa, billed as a one-of-a-kind STEM and arts campus where students will be able to get innovative, hands-on learning opportunities.

Today, Gov. Kay Ivey joined former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, his wife Terry Saban and other dignitaries for a groundbreaking celebration.

The center is made up of community partners Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and IGNITE (formerly Children’s Hands-On Museum), plus public and private educational partnerships across Alabama.

Artist rendering of the Saban Center in Tuscaloosa, which is scheduled to open in 2027 – Image courtesy of the Office of Governor Kay Ivey

The Saban Center will be a hub of education training, arts participation and academic support for teachers and families alike. The governor championed this project during her state of the state address in 2023 with Mrs. Saban as her guest.

In addition, the Saban Center has announced a partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians, which has made a $5 million donation.

Terry Saban shared her appreciation, saying, “Nick and I are immensely grateful to the Poarch Creek Indians for the generous support of Saban Center. This partnership is a true example of what’s possible when we come together in supporting education for our children.”

Poarch Creek Indians present a check for $5 million for the Saban Center in Tuscaloosa – Photo from the Office of Governor Kay Ivey/Hal Yeager

Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair of the Poarch Creek Indians, emphasized the importance of the partnership, saying, “We are proud to join with Terry and Nick Saban in providing STEM and arts education to children in Alabama through the Saban Center. This collaboration represents our shared commitment to making sure our state’s young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and are well prepared to meet the demands of the future. It is truly a legacy project that the Sabans and our Tribe are committed to its success for generations to come.”

Also attending today’s groundbreaking were Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa City Council members, Saban Center Director Audrey Buck, along with other state and local leaders.

The Saban Center is scheduled to open in 2027.