venue from UAB Arena to Bartow Arena in his honor.
In December 2014, the university announced that the programs for football, bowling and rifle were being eliminated at the end of the 2014–2015 academic year, citing soaring operating costs. This decision was later reversed and the programs were reinstated.
On July 1, 2023, UAB officially joined as a member of the American Athletic Conference. The mayor of Birmingham declared July 1 as UAB Day to celebrate and commemorate UAB's entry to the American Conference league.
=== Men's basketball ===
UAB Blazers men's basketball was introduced in 1978, marking the beginning of their athletics program. UAB was able to entice Gene Bartow to leave his position as UCLA's head coach in order to launch the Blazers program. The Blazers have made 17 appearances in the NCAA Division 1 men's basketball tournament and have reached the Elite Eight, and the Sweet Sixteen 3 times.
Blazers men's basketball have won multiple conference title including their first year as a member …
