Nick & Terry Saban Celebrate Topping-Out at Tuscaloosa’s $120 Million STEM Hub

Construction is racing along at the Saban Center, Tuscaloosa's $120 million STEM learning hub being built in the River District downtown, and the former King and Queen of Alabama Football were there Monday morning to celebrate its "topping-out."

A longtime builders' tradition, this marks when the last support beam is placed at the highest point of vertical construction.

Nick and Terry Saban joined Mayor Walt Maddox and a large crew from Stone Building Company for the Monday ceremony, a major milestone on the road to opening in late 2027, if all goes according to plan.

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The Sabans and other stakeholders signed this last beam on Monday before a massive crane lifted it over the crowded construction site, and workers guided it into place atop what will become the 70-foot transparent central tower at the heart of the campus. The Saban Center was designed by architecture firm Steinberg Hart and Birmingham's Davis Architects, who also collaborated creatively with the Sabans themselves.

"Saban Center is deeply personal to us—we've been involved every step of the way, working closely with the design team to shape a place where children of all ages can explore their curiosity and imagine what's possible for their futures," said Nick and Terry Saban. "We're thrilled to see this vision materializing in the heart of Tuscaloosa, and can’t wait to see the next generation of Alabama's leaders, makers, and dreamers make it their own.

Once finished, the 118,000-square-foot Saban Center aims to be a destination that expands educational and economic opportunities for young people and families across Alabama.

With the walls raised and beams in place, work will begin in earnest to fill in the details, including a woven-patterned marble facade that is expected to really shine in natural light.

The centerpiece glass tower at the heart of the complex will house an 18-foot illuminated globe powered teased in previous renderings, creating a new "beacon for the evolving River District," the city said Monday.

The Saban Center is being funded by Elevate Tuscaloosa tax dollars, a major commitment from the state of Alabama, tons of donations from corporate and individual sponsors, and by the Sabans themselves, who prefer not to put a specific number on their multimillion-dollar support for the project.

In addition to being a STEM learning hub for students and teachers, as well as a museum of Nick Saban's Alabama Football dynasty, the Center will also house the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and IGNITE, formerly known as the Children’s Hands-On Museum.

“Saban Center reflects Alabama’s commitment to expanding access to innovative educational experiences for students and educators across our state,” said Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama. “By bringing STEM education and the arts together on one dynamic campus, this project will help prepare the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers. We are deeply proud to lead this project alongside the Sabans, and we cannot wait to watch this space come to life.”

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox told local media that it still feels like a dream to work with the Sabans every day, but said he's excited to see those dreams continue to become reality.

"Saban Center will be a catalyst for building Alabama’s future-ready workforce," said Maddox. "Through this extraordinary partnership with the State of Alabama, Nick and Terry Saban, and many dedicated organizations, we are creating pathways that equip students and educators with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in tomorrow’s economy."

"The architectural vision for Saban Center reflects our mission to foster curiosity, confidence, and leadership in young Alabamians. Flowing, integrated spaces invite exploration across disciplines, while the Alabama marble facade and regionally sourced materials root the campus in the place and people it serves,” said Audrey Buck, Executive Director of Saban Center. “Through our partnerships with the city, state, and numerous leading institutions, we’re excited to open a new hub for learning and collaboration that will create lasting opportunities across the region.”

Watch the last beam go into place in the stream below, and stay tuned for more updates and announcements from the Saban Center as its late 2027 opening draws closer.

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