The Saban Center officially broke ground in Tuscaloosa, marking the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter in education and the arts. Attending the ceremony on August 6, 2025, were Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Ms. Terry and Mr. Nick Saban, Center Director Audrey Buck, and Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Chair Stephanie A. Bryan, all of whom spoke passionately about the transformative promise of the project. Ms. Saban reflected on a long-held dream becoming reality, while Governor Ivey emphasized the administration’s dedication to equipping Alabama’s children for success.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of a generous $5 million donation from the Poarch Creek Indians – one of the largest in the Center’s history – underscoring the power of shared vision and community commitment.
Set to be completed in 2027 in Tuscaloosa’s River District near the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater and downtown, the Saban Center will house the Alabama STEM Hub, the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre, IGNITE (formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum), and serve as a dynamic hub for teacher training, student enrichment, arts engagement, and workforce preparation.
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About the Saban Center
Saban Center will be a launchpad for those looking to enhance their lives through innovative, interactive learning. By offering hands-on learning experiences for students and educators, the campus will foster curiosity, confidence and leadership skills for all who visit. Saban Center’s innovative campus will house the State of Alabama STEM Hub, the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and IGNITE, formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum. At the Saban Center, arts, education, discovery and innovation come together to prepare the workforce of the future.
About the Poarch Creek Indians
The Poarch Creek Indians are descendants of the original Creek Nation that once covered almost all of Alabama and Georgia. The Poarch Creeks have lived together for almost 200 years in and around the reservation in Poarch, Alabama. They are the only federally recognized tribe in the state of Alabama.