Joe L. Reed’s name returns to ASU Acadome

Joe L. Reed’s name has been returned to the Acadome at Alabama State University – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) – Alabama State University has returned the name of former trustee Joe L. Reed, the father of Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, to its Acadome.

The Acadome is a landmark at Alabama State University, opening in 1992.

Joe L. Reed is a former city council member, was a leader of the Alabama Education Association and is still involved in the state Democratic Party.

Reed is an ASU graduate and had also been on the Board of Trustees.

Joe L. Reed speaking in Montgomery, June 8, 2023 – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

The building had been known as the “Joe L. Reed Acadome” until 2008, when other board members voted to remove his name because they said he was bringing bad publicity to the university.

It was later renamed the “Dunn-Oliver Acadome.”

Now it will be called the “Joe L. Reed Dunn-Oliver Acadome” to help honor his contributions to the university.

The building is a campus landmark, which hosts athletic, academic and community events in its 7,400-seat arena which opened in 1992.