The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Photo by: Brantley Bargerhuff
Ursula and Mike Kemp Contribute to Bartow Arena Renovation Project
10/2/2025 8:59:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM - The UAB Department of Athletics has announced that Ursula and Mike Kemp have made a $100,000 commitment in support of the Bartow Arena renovation project.
"Supporting the new Bartow Arena renovation project is personal for me – growing up, I went to games at UAB, and now having the opportunity to help transform this iconic venue is a full-circle moment," Mike Kemp said. "This project will not only elevate the campus experience but also strengthen the fabric of Birmingham as a whole."
Mike received a Civil Engineering degree from UAB and is the Founder and CEO of Birmingham's KMS (Kemp Management Solutions). KMS, which is a Birmingham-based firm, now includes Kemp Management Solutions, a construction management and consulting firm, and two other subsidiary companies: Frameworq and Streemline.
Mike serves on several corporate and community boards, including First Horizon Bank and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama. He also served as the 36th chairman of the Business Council of Alabama and is a proud UAB Alumnus.
"We are very grateful to the Kemp family for making an impact on this project at Mike's alma mater," said Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. "We appreciate their shared vision in supporting the Bartow Arena project to elevate UAB as well as to enhance the Magic City."
The $14.6 million Bartow Arena renovation project is intended to feature four main components:
Additionally, the UAB Department of Athletics recently unveiled season ticket pricing and allocation details to provide Blazer fans and the Birmingham community with the best opportunity to build their priority leading into the newly renovated Bartow Arena in advance of the 2026-27 season.
UAB men's basketball season tickets are still on sale for the 2025-26 season, and fans can continue to build their priority leading into the 2026-27 basketball priority allocation process by joining Blazer Boosters. For more information, contact the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1, or click here.
For more information, or to pledge your support to the Bartow Arena renovation project, call Blazer Boosters at (205) 996-9969.
"Supporting the new Bartow Arena renovation project is personal for me – growing up, I went to games at UAB, and now having the opportunity to help transform this iconic venue is a full-circle moment," Mike Kemp said. "This project will not only elevate the campus experience but also strengthen the fabric of Birmingham as a whole."
Mike received a Civil Engineering degree from UAB and is the Founder and CEO of Birmingham's KMS (Kemp Management Solutions). KMS, which is a Birmingham-based firm, now includes Kemp Management Solutions, a construction management and consulting firm, and two other subsidiary companies: Frameworq and Streemline.
Mike serves on several corporate and community boards, including First Horizon Bank and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama. He also served as the 36th chairman of the Business Council of Alabama and is a proud UAB Alumnus.
"We are very grateful to the Kemp family for making an impact on this project at Mike's alma mater," said Director of Athletics Mark Ingram. "We appreciate their shared vision in supporting the Bartow Arena project to elevate UAB as well as to enhance the Magic City."
The $14.6 million Bartow Arena renovation project is intended to feature four main components:
- Entrance lobby expansion
- Club-level lounge and club-level seating for enhanced viewing experience
- Replacement of lower bowl retractable seating to elevate fan experience
- Concourse improvements including lighting and updated restrooms
Additionally, the UAB Department of Athletics recently unveiled season ticket pricing and allocation details to provide Blazer fans and the Birmingham community with the best opportunity to build their priority leading into the newly renovated Bartow Arena in advance of the 2026-27 season.
UAB men's basketball season tickets are still on sale for the 2025-26 season, and fans can continue to build their priority leading into the 2026-27 basketball priority allocation process by joining Blazer Boosters. For more information, contact the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1, or click here.
For more information, or to pledge your support to the Bartow Arena renovation project, call Blazer Boosters at (205) 996-9969.
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