College Sports Established
1978
Location
Birmingham, Alabama
College Name
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Collegiate History
1978 - Present / NCAA Division 1
Conference History
2023 - / American Athletic Conference
1996 - 2023 / Conference USA
1992 - 1995 / Great Midwest Conference
1980 - 1991 / Sun Belt Conference
1978 - 1970 / Independent
Nickname
Blazers - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is home to the UAB Blazers, one of the country's most iconic college sports teams. The team's nickname has been around since 1977, and its origin story is unique.
It all began when UAB sought a new mascot to represent its school spirit and enthusiasm for athletics. After much deliberation, they settled on "Blazers" as it paid homage to both their location in Birmingham - known as 'the Magic City' because it was so rapidly industrialized after being found - and also embodied strength, speed, power, and agility – all qualities that make up an excellent athlete.
The name stuck with fans quickly due to its originality compared with other collegiate mascots such as Wildcats or Bulldogs; plus, there were already several schools across the nation using similar nicknames like Trailblazers or Blazes, which made them stand out even more! It wasn't long before people started referring fondly referring to them simply by saying “Go Blazers” or wearing apparel featuring their logo: two crossed swords set against a blue background representing fire coming from within each player on-field success over time has only added more weight behind this moniker making sure everyone knows who they are cheering for when they hear those three simple words “Let’s Go Blazers!”
As you can see, UAB's beloved Blazer nickname does not come without meaning—it embodies what makes athletes great while paying tribute to where we call home here at UAB! So next time you watch your favorite NCAA game, be proud knowing that our Blazer stands tall among some of America's best teams today.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1992
- 1993
- 1996
- 2004
- 2018
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UAB Blazers men’s basketball team makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance
In 1992: The UAB Blazers men’s basketball team makes its first NCAA Tournament appearance, losing in the first round to Iowa State. -
UAB Blazers men’s soccer team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship
In 1993: The UAB Blazers men’s soccer team wins the Sun Belt Conference championship, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. -
UAB Blazers women’s soccer team is founded
In 1996: The UAB Blazers women’s soccer team is founded. The team plays its first game on August 31, 1996, against Alabama A&M. -
UAB Blazers men’s basketball team makes its second NCAA Tournament appearance
In 2004: The UAB Blazers men’s basketball team makes its second NCAA Tournament appearance, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen before losing to Kansas. -
UAB Blazers football team wins the Conference USA championship
In 2018: The UAB Blazers football team wins the Conference USA championship and the Boca Raton Bowl, marking the first conference championship and bowl victory in program history.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Blazers
In 1989, UAB joined Conference USA and began competing against some of the best teams in college basketball. The team quickly made its mark by winning four straight conference championships from 1992-1995. During this period, they also won two NIT titles. They reached five NCAA tournaments, including an Elite 8 appearance in 2004, where they took down Kentucky on their way to one of the most memorable seasons ever for Blazer fans everywhere!
Since joining CUSA, UAB has had several successful years with tournament appearances, including trips to Sweet 16’s (2004 & 2011). They also boast one National Invitational Tournament Championship (2005) and three regular season conference championships since 1997, making them one of only six national programs with such success during that time!
In addition to the men's basketball success story, the Women's Basketball program has enjoyed great success too. They are currently ranked No 22nd nationally according to ESPNW rankings. They have recently crowned Conference USA Champions after defeating Southern Miss last March 2021 and will be looking forward to another strong showing when play resumes next season. With Coach Randy Norton leading his squad into battle year after year, it is clear why many consider them among elite programs nationwide!
Together these accomplishments make it easy to see why so many people across Alabama root for these proud Blazers daily! Whether you're watching games on TV or cheering from your seat at Bartow Arena, there is no doubt that you'll be witnessing some exceptional talent wearing green & gold each night out! So if you're looking for a team full of heart and hustle, look no further than your University of Alabama At Birmingham Blazes Sports Teams - Go BLAZERS!!
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