The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
GameDay Guide: ULM, September 12
7/11/2026 10:35:00β―AM | Football
Get ready for football season with our Game Day Guide series! Over the next several weeks, we'll walk you through everything you need to know before heading to Protective Stadium to cheer on the Blazers this fall.
Be sure to bookmark these articles so they're easy to find on game day. We'll continue updating them as kickoff approaches with the latest information, tips and important reminders.
And don't forget to visit BlazerGameday.com throughout the season for the most up-to-date game day information.
Go Blazers!
Home Opener: UAB vs.Β ULM
Saturday, Sept.Β 12 | 2:30 p.m. CT | ESPN+ | Protective StadiumSeries History: ULM Leads 2-1 | in Birmingham, UAB leads 1-0
Welcome Back to Protective Stadium
Football returns to Protective Stadium on Sept.Β 12 as UAB hosts ULM in the 2026 home opener presented by Viva Health. The game marks the first opportunity for Blazer fans to see the 2026 team at home and officially begins a new season of football in downtown Birmingham.With new Head Coach Alex Mortensen, a roster filled with impact newcomers and a renewed energy surrounding the program, the home opener serves as the first chance for Blazer Nation to create a home-field advantage and help set the tone for the season and a new chapter of UAB football.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, wear green and take advantage of the numerous game day activities taking place around Protective Stadium before kickoff.Β Shop at the UAB Bookstore and the UAB Football Team Store!Β
Game At A Glance
| Opponent | ULM |
| Date | Saturday, Sept.Β 12 |
| Kickoff | 2:30 p.m. CT |
| Television | ESPN+ |
| Theme | Home Opener |
| Entitlement Sponsor | Viva Health |
| Venue | Protective Stadium |
Why This Game Matters
The home opener is always one of the most anticipated games of the season, providing the first opportunity for fans to see the Blazers compete in front of a home crowd.The matchup with ULM also gives UAB an opportunity to build momentum early in the season while introducing fans to many new faces across the roster. The atmosphere, traditions and game day experience are all designed to showcase the excitement surrounding Blazer Football in 2026.
Before Kickoff
Make BlazerGameDay.com your first stop before heading to Protective Stadium. The site features the latest game day updates, kickoff timelines, parking information and more. Fans should also take note that this year's parking map has been updated and differs from previous seasons, so please review the new map before arriving on game day.Blazer Village
Blazer Village is the place to be before kickoff, featuring live music, interactive activities, sponsor activations and the best pregame atmosphere in Birmingham. Whether you're meeting friends, grabbing a photo with Blaze or taking part in game day festivities, Blazer Village offers something for every Blazer fan. Stay tuned for additional announcements regarding Gridiron Greats appearances, musical performances and other special attractions planned for the Home Opener.Blazer Express Shuttle Service
Complimentary Blazer Express shuttles are available to UAB students and the general public for all home football games. Fans may park free of charge in Zone B (12th Street Parking Deck) and board the shuttle at the Hill Student Center beginning four hours before kickoff. Service runs continuously to Protective Stadium and continues for one hour following the game. Visit BlazerGameDay.com for complete shuttle information and schedules.
Blazer Walk
The road to kickoff begins with Blazer Walk. Starting at 12:30 p.m., fans are encouraged to line Uptown and join the UAB Marching Blazers, spirit teams and fellow supporters in welcoming the team to Protective Stadium. Bring your green and help set the tone for the Home Opener as the Blazers make their way to the stadium.Wear Green
Blazer fans are encouraged to wear green and help create a sea of green inside Protective Stadium. Whether you're a student, alumni, faculty member or longtime supporter, wearing green is one of the easiest ways to show support for the Blazers and help create a championship-caliber atmosphere.ΒShop at the UAB Bookstore and the UAB Football Team Store!Β Shop at the UAB Bookstore and the UAB Football Team Store!Β
Special Ticket Offers
UAB Employee Appreciation
UAB Athletics is proud to recognize the faculty and staff who help make our university thrive. As a token of appreciation, UAB employees can access exclusive ticket offers through FEVO for the Home Opener. Join us at Protective Stadium, celebrate the beginning of a new academic year and show your support for the Blazers. Stay tuned to eReporter and campus communications for more information.Extra Yard for Teachers
Through the College Football Playoff Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers initiative, UAB Athletics and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) are proud to recognize educators who make a lasting impact in classrooms across the Birmingham area.Throughout the year, UAB student-athletes support local teachers by helping fund classroom projects and educational needs through contributions inspired by requests submitted on DonorsChoose. During the Home Opener, UAB Athletics will recognize the 2026 Extra Yard for Teachers recipients and celebrate the educators who continue to make a difference in the lives of students throughout our community.
Teachers are also invited to take advantage of a special ticket offer through the UAB Athletics Ticket Office and join us at Protective Stadium for the Home Opener.
For complete ticket information and availability, contact the UAB Athletics Ticket Office atΒ tickets@uab.eduΒ or calling at 205-975-UAB1.
Game Day Traditions
First-Year Runout
The home opener will feature the first-year runout, giving incoming Blazer freshman a chance to lead the UAB football team onto the field for the first time in 2026 at Protective Stadium. All participants receive a free t-shirt while supplies last. Check with residence hall for the official sign up link.Tailgating
- Fans looking for tailgating options and can purchase P4 Red Rooftop season passed by contacting the UAB Athletics Ticket Office. UAB Students can claim a tailgating pass for each home game through their student organization. Reserved tailgate space passes will be available for students to pick up on Mondays before each game starting at 9 a.m. from the Student Involvement and Leadership Office (Hill Student Center, Room 230) located on UAB's campus.
In-Game Features
Family Fun Zone
Looking for fun for the youngest members of Blazer Nation? Visit the Family Fun Zone on the north end of the stadium concourse, opposite the student section. Open throughout the game, the area features inflatables and family-friendly activities and is free for children to enjoy with a completed waiver.- Extra Yard for Teachers recognition
- Additional recognitions and features to be announced
- Gridiron Greats Returns as we welcome back Blazer Legends throughout the year.
Fan Checklist
Arrive Early
Give yourself plenty of time for parking, stadium entry and pregame activities.Visit Blazer Village
Take advantage of the entertainment, activations and promotions available before kickoff.Wear Green
Help create a strong home-field advantage for the Blazers. Shop at the UAB Bookstore and the UAB Football Team Store!Β
Know Before You Go
Parking InformationΒ Be sure to visit BlazerGameDay.com for the latest parking information, stadium entry details and game day updates. Fans should note that the parking map has been updated for the 2026 season and differs from previous years.
Football Email Updates
Β Stay connected with Blazer Football throughout the season by subscribing to receive exclusive news, promotions, ticket offers and game day information. Sign up at:
Β https://app.uabsports.com/signup
Mobile Tickets
Β Mobile tickets for the 2026 season will be available beginning July 31. Fans are encouraged to download and save their tickets before arriving at Protective Stadium to ensure a smooth entry experience.
Stadium Policies
Β Review the list of prohibited items and other stadium policies before game day by visiting:
Β https://www.blazergameday.com/prohibited-items
By The Numbers
| Number | Why It Matters |
| 1 | Home opener of the 2026 season |
| 2:30 | Kickoff time |
| 3 | Special ticket promotions available |
| 1st | Home game of the Alex Mortensen era |
| 12 | Date of the home opener (Sept.Β 12) |
See You At Protective
The 2026 home schedule begins Sept.Β 12 as UAB welcomes ULM to Protective Stadium for the Home Opener presented by Viva Health.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, wear green, visit Blazer Village and help create an unforgettable atmosphere as the Blazers take the field at home for the first time this season.Β
Shop at the UAB Bookstore and the UAB Football Team Store!Β
2026 UAB FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW: Season tickets for the 2026 UAB Football season are on sale now. Season ticket packages feature all six home games and provide the most cost-effective way to attend games at Protective Stadium. Explore pricing, benefits, and tailgating opportunities here, or contact the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1. Fans can also request more information by clicking here.Β Β Β Β
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