UAB Blazers Excited for Home Opener Versus Alcorn State

Press Conference

Blazers Excited for Home Opener Versus Alcorn State In Monday's Media Luncheon.
UAB goes for fourth consecutive home-opening victory on Saturday.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB football team is gearing up for its 2007 home opener against the Alcorn State Braves on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at Legion Field. The Blazers spent Monday's weekly Media Luncheon discussing the upcoming contest with the Braves, along with this past week's close call at Florida State, where the Blazers fell to the Seminoles 34-24.

"Even though we were very disappointed in the outcome, I do think we made a lot of progress, particularly on the defensive side of the ball," said UAB head coach Neil Callaway. "We want to get better every week and as long as we are getting better, we think we are making progress and we are going to be fine. So that was encouraging to see."

The Blazers gave Florida State all they could handle last weekend, and are looking to do the same this week at home versus Alcorn State.

"Looking at them on film, they have multiple offensive and defensive schemes," said Callaway of the outlook for this week's game against the Braves. "They have a very experienced football team coming back with eight starters on both sides of the ball. Even though they haven't won a ballgame, I have been very impressed with the way they play on both sides of the ball and how well they are coached."

Saturday will mark the first home contest of the '07 campaign for UAB. Callaway and company are excited to make their debut at Legion Field and emphasize the importance of protecting their home field.

"It's our first home ballgame," said Callaway. "We talk about it all the time. When we play in our house, we want to come out ready to play. We are looking forward to our game against Alcorn State and hopefully we will be productive.

"I really would hope the fans would come out to see us. I think the fact that our guys are playing hard and want to compete and do what's right, I hope that would be appealing to the people of Birmingham. Hopefully people will want to come out and support us and watch us play."

Developing story from MyFox Birmingham...

UAB Must 'Pay to Play' at Legion Field

The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board voted not to give UAB any more free rent to play football on Monday. The average fee UAB will be charged to play football at Legion Field is $10,000 per game.

On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council will vote on UAB's request for the city to continue to purchase $225,000 in Blazer football tickets over the next three years. UAB has contracted to continue playing at Legion Field.

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Yep, you read it correctly! UAB will go from FREE to $10,000 per game, but City must buy $675,000 in football tickets over the next three years in TAX PAYERS MONEY. Just one question--did MEAC/SWAC Challenge get the same rump shaking deal? (beepbeep).