Chart: Alabama presidential primary 2016

Election results from today’s primaries in Alabama and the Birmingham metro area …

More election coverage in our Vote 2016 special report.

(Updating throughout the evening.)

The runoff takes place April 12.

Voter turnout:

• Alabama: 41 percent
• Jefferson County: 43 percent
• Shelby County: 50 percent

Results for Jefferson County and Shelby County.

Democrats

(Contested races only)

Winner in red | Runoff candidates in blue

Republicans

(Contested races only)

Winner in red | Runoff candidates in blue

Amendments

Tweets

This just in on Twitter …

A red state getting redder. AL GOP might clear 800k votes today. It was 621k four years ago. #MGMvote @MGMAdvertiser

— Mary Troyan (@maryotroyan) March 2, 2016

New life goal: Meet the 334 Alabamians who voted for Rocky De La Fuente. #SuperTuesday #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/TddKlkd2GY

— Glenny Brock (@glennybrock) March 2, 2016

https://twitter.com/chpbrownlee/status/704860862318776322

https://twitter.com/emily_barton/status/704858087891574785

Most voters I spoke with this morning supported Trump, but that didn't translate into a broader anti-incumbent feeling. #MGMVote #alpolitics

— Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) March 2, 2016

Facebook

Visit the Birmingham, Ala., page on Facebook.

• • •

More Vote 2016 coverage.

Look at Alabama, the early bird getting the political worm all thanks to today’s primary. Twelve other states and American Samoa are participating in Super Tuesday, a k a the SEC Primary.

The polls are open: Voting takes place till 7 p.m. for candidate in national, state and local races.

Q: Where do I vote?

A: Call Jefferson County: (205) 325-5550, Jefferson County (Bessemer only): (205) 481-4105, Shelby County: (205) 669-3913.

Or Search Your Polling Place on AlabamaVotes.gov.

Wade on Birmingham:
primary election results tonight

Remember, if you have problems at your polling place:

• Notify a poll worker immediately.
• Call the state attorney general at 1-800-831-8814 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Wednesday or fill out this online form.
• Call the secretary of state at 1-800-274-VOTE (8683) or visit StopVoterFraudNow.com.
• And tell the probate court for Jefferson County (205-325-5203) or Shelby County (205-669-3713).
• E-mail us at Vote2016[at]wadeonbirmingham.com.

Q: What can I expect to see on the ballots?

A: Check out these sample ballots for each county.

You’re voting for president, U.S. Senator, state and county officials, plus a statewide amendment.

Let us know where and when you voted, and how many votes were cast before yours.

• • •

More Vote 2016 coverage.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Pre-show fun with the band Florida Georgia Line in 2014 at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From Florida Georgia Line.

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Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks Saturday at Miles College. From ABC 33/40.

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Philip Kimani performs at Laborers in Christ Ministries in Homewood. From Kikuyu Diaspora Television USA.

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Promotional video for the Birmingham Water Works. From Vulcan Media.

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WIAT-42 segment with Chris VanCleave, a k a the Redneck Rosarian, before his appearance at the Birmingham Home and Garden Show earlier this month. From Redneck Rosarian.

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Music from Faith Apostolic Church in West End. From Adrienne Nixonforfac.

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Taj India on Southside says thank you. From Linked2 Social.

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A look at the nonprofit group Animal League of Birmingham. From Starnes Publishing.

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Promotional video for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Alabama, featuring Ruben Studdard. From Telegraph Creative.

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Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio speaks Saturday at Samford University. From ABC 33/40.

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Christian rapper TobyMac performs “Til the Day I Die” earlier this month at Legacy Arena downtown. From Amber Smith.

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Sightseeing tours of the Virgin Mary in Sterrett. From Medjugorje Apparitions.

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Americana singer-songwriter Sara Syms performs “Fade to Blue” earlier this month at Moonlight on the Mountain in Hoover. From Sara Syms.

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Doc McKenzie performs in December at East Birmingham Church of God in Christ in Woodlawn. From Jerol Tyson.

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The 2007 Miles College Marching Band. From ShowtimeWeb.

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Michael Board II and Imani Love perform “Fences” by August Wilson at the 2013 National Forensics League National Tournament in Birmingham. From Imani Love.

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A trip to Railroad Park and more. From Randy and Anna.

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Emily Dave performs “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri for her Anti-Valentine’s Ukulele Special. From Emily Dave.

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The Block’s music video karaoke with Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You.” From The Block Birmingham.

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Talking to a supporter downtown at Saturday’s rally for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders. From Effectiveness Activator.

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Road trip to see R5 perform at Iron City on Southside. From FS PJ.

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Flying from Birmingham to Atlanta in January. From Trizity Tube.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

Download general election sample ballots
for Jefferson, Shelby Counties

•

Voting registration deadline Monday

Alabamians will have a shot at shaping the presidential race for 2016.

With an early SEC Primary on March 1, Alabama will be among 14 states and territories holding elections on Super Tuesday. Also on the ballot, a Senate race, several state and county races and an state amendment.

Citizens still have time to register to vote, either online (for the first time) or by handing in this PDF form. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Monday for online submission or end of business Monday at the county Board of Registrar offices for hand-delivered forms.

To help you see the full candidate list for your district, we’ve included sample ballots for Jefferson and Shelby Counties for the primaries. (The Jefferson County ballots, 32 pages and 46 pages, include versions for every district.)

Also included is the Alabama Voter Guide, which has information on voting procedures and frequently asked questions.

For easier viewing, you can download or zoom to full screen with each ballot.

Primary elections take place March 1 across the state.

• • •

Find your polling place and districts.

• • •

Sample ballots for all 67 counties.

• • •

Jefferson County: Democratic ballot

Jefferson County: Republican ballot

Shelby County: Democratic ballot

Shelby County: Republican ballot

Alabama Voter Guide 2016

• • •

More Vote 2016 coverage.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Deontée Gordon of REV Birmingham discusses economic growth for African-American residents. From JL.

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Promotional video for Birmingham’s business incubator. From Innovation Depot.

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Storm chaser on Christmas 2015 tracking tornadoes. From Enchanted LifePathTv.

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The Poppy Colon Christmas dance stand battle. From Nuway2live.

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Lifeline Children’s Services annual fund-raising dinner in November at the Sheraton Birmingham. From Lifeline Children’s Services.

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Promotional video for the book “Birmingham Foot Soldiers: Voices from the Civil Rights Movement.” From Nick Patterson.

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Motorcycle donuts (our vertical video of the week). From Hamzah Twezzy.

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Predictions for the Birmingham real estate market in 2016. From Jason Secor.

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Atlanta electronic rock band STS9 performs in November at Iron City on Southside. From David Montgomery.

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Celebrating the first papal anniversary. From Berea Internacional.

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Birmingham Cars and Coffee in December at Hoover Tactical Firearms and in Inverness. From Southern_Pride_GHIF.

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Drill demo. From WhiteFab Inc.

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The boys’ 4x200m relay at the Magic City Invitational in December at the Birmingham CrossPlex in Five Points West. From Bill Voigt.

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High school cafeteria fight (our other vertical video of the week). From LeakingIT.

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A visit to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds. From Luis Escobar.

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Promotional video for apartment complex Venue at the Ballpark. From Architectmedia.

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More from last week’s Birmingham Coffee and Cars in Hoover. From Paul Franks.

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Music video for “Birmingham” by Gina Kessler and the Martinis. From Bryan Rosen.

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Christmas project with Mountain Brook Community Church and nonprofit group KIDS Inc. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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In partnership with Ameresco, the Birmingham Housing Authority will improve infrastructure and save a projected $66 million in energy costs over the next 17 years. From Ameresco.

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January’s Birmingham Boat Show at the BJCC Exhibition Hall downtown. From Elite Rod Holders.

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Testing for fourth-degree black belt with Tiger-Rock Martial Arts at the BJCC Meeting Rooms. From Nic Wilson.

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The five tallest buildings in Birmingham. From MrPolarBear 333.

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A look at October’s third annual Magic City Sip and Shop at the BridgeStreet Gallery and Loft on Southside. From ThomasVisionFilms.

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New Orleans’ Trombone Shorty performs in December at Iron City. From Dan Lee.

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The Electric Power Research Institute, Southern Company and the Southeastern Solar Research Center at Southern Research’s Birmingham campus are conducting a large, multifaceted demonstration project on photovoltaic rays. From Southern Research.

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The history of Sloss Furnaces. From Alabama NewsCenter.

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Promo for January’s Elevate the Stage gymnastics competition at Legacy Arena. From Knight Eady.

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Telegraph Creative’s year in review and Christmas card. From Telegraph Creative.

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Memphis rock band Spaceface performs “Carnivore” in February 2015 at Iron City. From treser62.

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Enjoying the playground at Crestwood Park. From Toni Mckinney.

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Birmingham’s FunnyMaine performing at the Stardome Comedy Club in Hoover. From FunnyMaine.

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Birmingham rock band EveryDay but Friday performs “Fire Away” in December at Saturn in Avondale. From EveryDay but Friday.

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Al Jazeera report on Fairfield Walmart closing. From Al Jazeera America News.

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Birmingham jazz-pop band the Other Day performs “Epic Sol” in January at the Syndicate Lounge on Southside. From the Other Day.

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UAB pediatric oncologist Smita Bhatia discusses long-term and late effects experienced by cancer survivors. From Harborside Press.

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The YMCA of Greater Birmingham held its inaugural Thingamajig Invention Convention last summer at the YMCA Youth Center. From Birmingham YMCA.

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Time-lapse footage of the first Vulcan Classic game between Alabama and Oregon in December at Legacy Arena. From Knight Eady.

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Christmas storm and tornado batters Birmingham. From Associated Press.

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Proposed rezoning for Hoover schools, presented Thursday. From WIAT-42.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

The Baby New Year(!) at the Bassnectar show on New Year’s Eve at Legacy Arena downtown (our vertical video of the week). From Lisa Marie Northcutt.

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Classroom Inc. brings game-based educational programs to Tarrant schools. From Classroom Inc.

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Stephen Watson, assistant professor of art at Samford, puts together an installation of spices and herbs at Centenary College in Shreveport, La. From Stephen Watson.

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Drone footage of home damage in southwest Birmingham from the Christmas EF-2 tornado. From WSB-TV.

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Bassnectar performs on New Year’s Eve at the Legacy Arena. From TDickison.

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Auburn coach Gus Malzahn does a victory dab dance after the Tigers’ win in the Birmingham Bowl last week. From Auburn Tigers on AL.com.

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Time-lapse footage from the Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. From Down in Front Productions.

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Florida alternative rocker Elyse Therose performs “She Ran” in November at WorkPlay in Lakeview. From Elyse Therose.

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The 2006 women’s finals Association of Volleyball Professionals at the Hoover Met, featuring Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings vs. Nicole Branagh and Holly McPeak. From kmnh2so4.

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The Magic City Mega Bowl final 9 in June at the George Ward Disc Golf Course in the Glen Iris neighborhood. From the Disc Golf Channel.

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Chad Fisher performs “All The Way” at The Club as part of the Audiovore’s Spectra Sonic Sound Sessions. From Spectra Sonic Sound Sessions.

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At the Amtrak station downtown. From d32 se.

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Home tour (our other vertical and sideways video of the week). From Kerry Pruett.

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American Black Bear cub sisters Sassy and Bety almost ready to debut at the Birmingham Zoo. From Don Brownlow.

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Reel for Birmingham actor McClain McKinney. From McClain McKinney.

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A tour of John Stewart’s Birmingham District train set layout, based on the prototype Woodward Iron Railroad shortline. From Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine.

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A Polish take on the Mayor Bell-Councilor Lundy fight — don’t miss the big guest cameos. From TomoNews Poland.

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Skyline footage. From Alabama Media Group.

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Music video for “One Love” by Tampa hip-hop artist Toussaint Louie, filmed in Birmingham. From Greyson A. Welch.

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Night life promo video. From Big Shack ENT.

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Promo for custom jewelry by Birmingham’s Christie Ford. From Leather and Pearl Girl.

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Pittsburgh musician Buku performs New Year’s Eve at Matthew’s Bar and Grill downtown. From the Dirty Bass.

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Young adults sound off on living in Birmingham. From Avery Hoven.

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Gregory’s first Auburn game since the “Kick 6” and first bowl game. From Odie and Partners.

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“Front Porch Community,” by Melissa Thomas, a look at the Crestwood North neighborhood. From UAB Media Studies.

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You’ll never guess who got a drone for Christmas … From Steve Klein and Will Geiger.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Singer Luis Coronel performing in August at Rancho El Centenario in Mt. Olive. From Erika Garcia.

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Canadian electronic duo Purity Ring performs in September at Iron City on Southside. From Blair Scott.

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Rancho Viejo. From El ZurdoMquez Alegre.

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Katie Hardin competes in her first U.S. Figure Skating competition at the Freestyle 2 level in summer’s Magic City Ice Classic at the Pelham Civic Complex. From Saxena Video Productions.

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A trip through the Goo-Goo Express Wash on Southside. From Kim Sebastian.

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A look at the photo archives of the Birmingham News, Huntsville Times and Press-Register in the Mobile office. From Robert Clay.

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Indiana prog rock band Umphrey’s McGee performs “Power of Soul” in September at Avondale Brewery. From psn abraxasnd.

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Singer-songwriter and former UAB football player Sam Hunt performs in September at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. From Brandi H.

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A quick trip through downtown. From Preston Eaves.

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Pepper Place wins the Urban Land Institute Atlanta District Council 2013 Awards for Excellence. From uliatlantaawards.

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Florida metal band Bind performs in August at the High Note on Southside. From NCHC.

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L.A. rapper Earl Sweatshirt performs in September at Iron City on Southside (our vertical video of the week). From Carkles.

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Figure skaters Emily Sanders and Anna Blankenship have fun at the Pelham Civic Complex. From Aly Hathcock.

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Metal band Gwar performs in September at Iron City on Southside. From zombiegorehound.

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Atlanta rocker Tedo Stone visits LightRails downtown. From Ethan Payne.

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Buffalo Bills defensive tackle (and former Alabama player) Marcell Dareus talks to children at a city park after committing $100,000 over five years to the Birmingham Parks and Recreation. From ABC 33/40.

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A look at the Franklin Graham Festival of Hope in August at UAB’s Bartow Arena. From Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

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Birmingham rock band the Burning Peppermints performs “Ned Schneeblee” in September at Magnetic Audio in East Avondale. From Spectra Sonic Sound Sessions.

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“Motorcycles have been racing up and down First Avenue North all night. I stepped outside with my phone and heard them immediately. A police car was 100 feet behind them, did nothing.” From David Morrison.

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Driving from Southside to Inverness. From sultan sultan.

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Country singer Hunter Hayes performs in September at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From Brandi H.

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September’s Tour de Hops bike ride through Avondale and Southside. From cheesellama.

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Van Halen performs “Jump” in September at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. From gotcrush.

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Ride for Kids raised more than $50,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in its September motorcycle event. From Rory Luther.

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More from the Festival of Hope. From Luz Clemente.

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Teaser for Good Grit Magazine. From Jordan Mahy.

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Alex on the climbing wall (our other vertical video of the week). From thkufan.

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The new class makes its entrance for the Birmingham Kappa League. From Melvin Heath.

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Timelapse footage of construction at Kinetic Communications in 2014. From Paige Simpson.

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Spanish rock group Jarabe de Palo performs in April at the Nick on Southside (our other other vertical video of the week). From liliana.

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“Alabama TV” talks with FBI agent Roger Stanton. From Latino News LLC.

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A look at the Children’s Harbor Pig Iron BBQ Challenge fund-raiser, returning Oct. 16 to the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. From United for Life Foundation.

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A mission trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. From Richard Womack.

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Savannah jazz guitarist Walter Parks performs “Who Am I to Play the Blues” in September at Moonlight on the Mountain in Hoover. From Walter Parks and Swamp Cabbage.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

Photo: Max Wolfe (CC)

The UAB campus is likely to grow in the coming years,
becoming even more prominent on Birmingham’s Southside.

•

Get the full version of this essay in our free ebook.
Details at the end.

•

By Chris Mitchell

Is there a more intimidating prospect than predicting the future?

If I had been asked 5 years ago, I would have written a scathing missive about how Birmingham would continue to slowly crumble, the pieces doled out among ever increasingly bloated suburbs. Despite the positivity I have today, that is still happening. But much less so now.

It’s not the same city it was. Or I’m not the same man. I’m 40 and have an 8-month-old daughter.

Enough of this, Chris. Tell us what’s going to happen.

Here are some things I believe will occur:

Prediction No. 1: UAB will continue to swallow more of Southside. The footprint of the school from which I graduated in 1999 has probably doubled. I expect this growth to continue, mainly because they print money in one of those labs.

Prediction No. 2: The completion of I-459 with the Northern Beltline will be a success. It will be ridiculously expensive and probably destroy something beautiful, but it will create commerce and jobs … and more sprawl.

Prediction No. 3: We will never have a decent newspaper again. No one is mad about it any more, unfortunately. Whatever goes on in our city that the 10 people who work for al.com don’t see is now lost. I worked in local TV news for 12 years. Every morning, the newsroom would open the paper and decide what to cover that day. A weak paper means weak TV news.

Prediction No. 4: Hoover will eventually be as big as Birmingham by gobbling up the countryside. Its population sits at 80,000, while Birmingham is at 212,000. Hoover is not a defined thing; it’s a confederation of neighborhoods, which is incredibly attractive to a lot of people. As my daughter gets to an age where I have to worry about schools and such, I’ll probably be one of them.

Prediction No. 5: Someone amazing will come from here. I don’t know how, but it will.

Prediction No. 6: Birmingham will never outlive its reputation of racism and bigotry. Before we were born, some very bad men made us look awful, and the world will never forget.

Prediction No. 7: Birmingham will be overrun with murderous robots sometime after the second Civil War. It will be a real bummer. I wrote this in my first novel, “Independent Now and Forever,” which you can buy it on your Kindle [aff. link]. I kind of hope this invasion doesn’t happen, but I feel like it’s worth warning you about.

I don’t know what the hell is going to happen to Birmingham, though I have this “wind of positivity.” Will the next generation continue to fall in love with lofts and the rougher edges, seeing the challenge and aspirations they represent? I certainly hope so.

My time of taking those risks is over. All I think about now is how to put my daughter in an environment of safety and happiness.

The future of Birmingham is not my biggest concern any more. Good luck.

• • •

Chris Mitchell is managing editor of Bassmaster.com and is co-founder of the music blog BhamFM.com.

• Website | Facebook | Twitter @ditchell | LinkedIn | Instagram

• • •

The full version of this essay and many more are available in the free ebook, “The Future of Birmingham.”

All you need to do is fill out this simple form. We’ll email you a link to download the book. (And, at no extra charge, we’ll add you to the mailing list for the free Y’all Connect newsletter.)

• • •

Read more essays in our special 10th anniversary series, The Future of Birmingham.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Former UAB quarterback Sam Hunt performs “Take Your Time” on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” last week. From “The Ellen Degeneres Show.”

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Birmingham band St. Paul and the Broken Bones performs “Call Me” on “Late Show with David Letterman” earlier this month. From “Late Show with David Letterman.”

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Talk show host Steve Harvey receives a birthday surprise from Comedy Club Stardome’s Bruce and Che Che Ayers. From al.com.

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Promotional video that was part of the winning bid for the World Games 2021. From Big Communications.

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Birmingham band Nowhere Squares’ music video for “She’s So Gross.” From Paul Cordes Wilm.

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Promotional clip for Birmingham. From Moxy.

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Paul Weaver plays “Gladiolus Rag.” From Message in a Bottle Productions.

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Inside Memorial Mound in Bessemer. From Matt Glasscock.

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“Sakhu” by Kayla Gladney and Alesha Mitchell, looking at black women who broke barriers in their professional lives. From UAB Documentary.

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Vaper meetup at Avondale Brewing Company. From Robert Graves.

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Auburn pole vaulters competing at the CrossPlex. From vaultmonkey.

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“The Real Housewives of Birmingham.” From Katie Grant.

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See Mountain Brook shops featured on national television.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

Scooby Doo freestyles at the Monster Jam this past weekend at the BJCC Legacy Arena. From jshlacoste06.

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Homeowner shows flooding area at Oxmoor Landing subdivision from December to May. From Lisa Antoine.

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Casey Ryan competes in a U.S. Practical Shooting Association match Jan. 5 at the Brock’s Gap Training Center in Hoover. From Casey Ryan.

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Cuttin’ Loose performs “Ain’t No Sunshine.” From jp2ndtime.

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A golf lesson from Lane Kiffin. From Lauren Scott.

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UAB professor John Wittig honored at PRCA-Birmingham’s January luncheon at the Birmingham Public Library. From PRCA-Birmingham.

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Michelle Blackwood and Henry Hughes of the Friends of Shades Creek talk salamanders at the Homewood Forest Preserve. From Starnes Publishing.

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Highlights from a Five Loaves Birmingham corporate event for Christmas. From John Lankford.

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Promo for the Birmingham Vaper Group. From Vapor Hut Media.

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Set construction for “The Producers” at the Virginia Samford Theatre on Southside. From Virginia Samford Theatre.

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http://instagram.com/p/xiqAQEAup2/

Riley Cutcliffe scales a building with a football in his hand. From Daniel Cutcliffe.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

A look at Birmingham in videos …

“Love Don’t Die” by the Fray, covered by Stormie Leigh. From Stormie Leigh.

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Skateboarding in Birmingham and Tallahassee. From Southern Legacy.

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“Fresh Grown” by Anna Lloyd, on healthy eating. From UAB Documentary.

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Sloss Furnaces. From Sir Stricklin.

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Going to the Birmingham Zoo in 1964. From Patricia Anne Rhodes.

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Southern All Stars Asphalt Series: Early Bird 100 at the Birmingham International Raceway around 1990. From bubba35741.

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Baton Rouge rapper Kevin Gates at Club Rain in Hoover. From iGotTheDirt.

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You wanted 20 minutes of motorcycle-cam to Birmingham, right? From Matthew Horne.

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Ferragamo Frost’s mixtape release party at Club Rain in Hoover. From Breakin Bread Records.

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Birmingham Bowl: The Florida Gators go bowling at Vestavia Bowl. From Florida Gators.

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Birmingham Bowl: The East Carolina Pirates visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. From ECU Athletics.

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Birmingham Bowl: game highlights. From Saturday Down South.

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The East Lake Initiative. From Christ Church Birmingham.

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Nowhere Squares’ video for “Too Stuck Up,” directed by Paul Cordes Wilm. From Step Pepper Records.

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Light Dreams at the Alys Stephens Center on Southside. From Randal Crow.

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A post shared by Alabama Wildlife Center (@alabamawildlifecenter)

Red-shouldered hawk has lunch. From Alabama Wildlife Center.

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http://instagram.com/p/xbr9bhwxxb/

Chandrel boxes. From Wayne Heard.

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http://instagram.com/p/xaUKcdx6Mn/
Spinning at the McWane Science Center. From Amanda.

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See Emmylou Harris in concert.

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See folk dancing at one of Birmingham’s most popular food festivals.

• • •

Send us links to your videos. | More videos on the Birmingham channel.

James Hinchcliffe races in the No. 27 GoDaddy car
at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama.

Birmingham isn’t just Barons and other-city football. Take a look at the loaded calendar of sports for 2015, including a February of nonstop track and field, plus marathons, new pro football, three basketball tournaments and the Tide playing home games in Hoover.

Baseball

• Birmingham Barons: The 2015 season begins at home on April 9 at Regions Field with a five-game series against the Mobile BayBears.
• Crimson Tide: The University of Alabama baseball team will have its season opener Feb. 13 at the Hoover Met with 31 home games there. The Tide is spending the season off campus as Sewell-Thomas Stadium has a $35 million renovation.
• SEC Tournament: Speaking of the Met, the conference capper returns May 19-24. Hoover has been the annual home of the tournament since 1998.

Basketball

• AHSAA Tournament: Boys and girls high school teams from 1A to 7A converge Feb. 23-28 at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena.
• Birmingham Blitz: The semi-pro team should have games through March, with a new season starting in November.
• Conference USA Tournament: For the first, and probably last, time, Birmingham will play host to the men’s and women’s tournament. (UAB’s Bartow Arena held the 1996 women’s tourney.) The women will play opening rounds at Bartow. The women’s semifinals on and the all the men’s games will be at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena. UAB will likely be dropped from Conference USA in 2015 after the school punted football.
• SIAC Tournament: The men’s and women’s tournament returns March 3-7 to the CrossPlex.

Football

• Alabama Outlawz: The minor league team’s home opener is April 11 at Bill Harris Arena at the CrossPlex.
• Birmingham Bowl: 11 a.m. Saturday. Legion Field. Florida vs. East Carolina. $30-$50. Airing on ESPN.
• Birmingham Freedom: The 14th try’s the charm, as a new pro league with a new local franchise. The teams kick off May 16, schedule TBD.
• Hoover Bucs: The first defending 7A champion will open its season on the road against Oakland in Murfreesboro, Tenn., probably on or near Aug. 21. We mention it because it’ll probably be on ESPN.
• Labor Day Golden Classic: The annual event returns after a 3-year absence, pitting Miles against the University of North Alabama Sept. 6 (the day before Labor Day) at Legion Field.
• Magic City Classic: The nation’s largest black college football game, played since 1924, is on Halloween at Legion Field.

Golf

• Regions Tradition: The Champions Tour returns May 11-17 at Shoal Creek with a $2.2 million purse at stake.

Hockey

• Frozen Tide: The Alabama hockey team is off to a rousing 14-3 start, with home games at the Pelham Civic Complex throughout January, culminating in the SECHC Tournament Feb. 6-8.

Multi-sport

• Bike Link Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon: The 29th annual race takes place June 13 at Oak Mountain State Park.
• USA Triathlon Off-Road National Championship: A triathlon and sprint on May 16 at Oak Mountain State Park. [added Jan. 4]
• Whistle Stop Duathlon: The March 28 event features a sprint and a standard race, starting in Irondale.

Racing

• Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama: Fans will see Graham Rahal, Marco Andretti, Helio Castroneves, Will Power and two-time defending champ Ryan Hunter-Reay go by real fast. April 24-26 at Barber Motorsports Park.
• Triumph SuperBike Classic: Excitement on two wheels, June 21-22 at Barber Motorsports Park.

Rugby

• Birmingham Vulcans: The first match of the year is Feb. 7 against Jackson at Krebs Field, Ramsay Park.

Running

• Magic City Half Marathon: Benefitting the Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts. Nov. 22.
• Mercedes Marathon: Got what it takes to run the Boston Marathon? Prove it right here Feb. 20-22.
• Vulcan Run: More than 1,500 runners will stream through downtown Nov. 7 in one of the most popular local 10K races.

Track and Field

• AHSAA Indoor Tournament: High schools compete for state titles Feb. 5-7 at the CrossPlex.
• College Tournaments: No less than five conferences will hold track and field championships over 13 days in February at the CrossPlex. Southland: Feb. 16-17; SWAC: Feb. 21-22; Sun Belt: Feb. 23-24; Conference USA: Feb. 25-26; SIAC: Feb. 27-28.
• NCAA Division II Indoor Championship: The CrossPlex will hold the big event March 13-14; the Division I Championship will be there in 2016.

Volleyball

• AHSAA Tournament: The high school state championship will be Oct. 29-30 at the CrossPlex.

Which events will you see in 2015? Shout it out in the comments.

Don’t miss the 2015 Birmingham food and drink preview!

By the time you’re done shopping and wrapping and decorating and partying, you might not have the will to be cooking, too. Fortunately, a number of Birmingham restaurants will open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. And several offer catering and takeout service with holiday options.

Open Christmas Eve

Billy’s Sports Grill: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (205) 879-2238, 2012 Cahaba Road, English Village, Mountain Brook; (205) 956-2323, 4520 Overton Road, Ste. 104, Irondale.

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Bottle and Bone: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (205) 538-7106 or jen@bottleandbone.com. Uptown, 2311 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Ste. 200.

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The Bright Star: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (205) 426-1861. 304 19th St. N., Bessemer.

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Cedar’s Grille: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (205) 988-5993. 1870 Chace Drive, Hoover. [added Dec. 16]

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Century Restaurant and Bar at the Tutwiler: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (205) 458-9611. 2021 Park Place N., downtown.

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Dixie Fish Company: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (205) 924-3493. 101 Resource Center Pkwy., off U.S. 280, Inverness.

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Galley and Garden: 4-9 p.m. (205) 939-5551. 2220 Highland Ave. S., Southside.

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Homewood Gourmet: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (205) 871-1620. 1919 28th Ave. S., Homewood.

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Irondale Cafe: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Open for lunch, plus takeout options including ham, turkey, side dishes and pie [2013 menu]. (205) 956-5258. 1906 First Ave. N., Irondale.

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Lone Star Steakhouse: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (205) 661-9339. 4720 Norrell Drive, Trussville.

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MetroPrime Steakhouse: 5-10 p.m. (205) 623-5288. 1035 20th St. S., Five Points South, Southside.

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Seasons 52: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Reservations available online. (205) 968-5152. The Summit.

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Sherry’s Cafe and Catering: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  (205) 655-5260. 5800 Valley Road, Ste. 110, Trussville.

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Silvertron Cafe: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (205) 591-3707. 3813 Clairmont Ave. S., Forest Park.

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Slice Pizza and Brew: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (205) 715-9300. 725 29th St. S., Lakeview.

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Taj India: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-10 p.m. (205) 939-3805. 2226 Highland Ave. S., Southside.

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V. Richards: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., including cafe. Christmas catering/takeout, available for pickup Dec. 24. (205) 591-7000. 3916 Clairmont Ave. S., Forest Park.

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Village Tavern: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (205) 970-1640. 101 Summit Blvd., The Summit.

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Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

China Moon: 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (205) 324-2332. 3310 Clairmont Ave. S., Piggly Wiggly shopping center, Southside.

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Crestwood Tavern: 3 p.m.-midnight. (205) 510-0053. 5500 Crestwood Blvd.

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Hoover Grille: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Christmas Eve, 5-10 p.m. Christmas Day. (205) 985-9994. Inside Embassy Suites Birmingham-Hoover, 2960 John Hawkins Pkwy. [added Dec. 16]

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Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Christmas Eve, 5 p.m.- 2 a.m. Christmas Day. (205) 203-4512. 2811 Seventh Ave. S., Lakeview. [added Dec. 23]

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Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-10 p.m. Christmas Eve, 4:30-10 p.m. Christmas Day. (205) 298-0200. 3501 Grandview Pkwy., off U.S. 280 near the Colonnade. [added Dec. 23]

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Max’s Delicatessen: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (205) 968-7600 or info@maxsdelionline.com. Colonnade shopping center.

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Merk’s Tavern and Kitchen: 6 a.m.-midnight. (205) 444-5731. Inside the Wynfrey Hotel/Hyatt, Riverchase Galleria, Hoover.

Also, Shula’s Steak House will be open Christmas Eve only, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m. [added Dec. 16]

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Mr. Chen’s Authentic Chinese Cooking: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (205) 824-8283. 1917 Hoover Ct., Hoover.

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Mt. Fuji Japanese Sushi and Steak House: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m. both days. (205) 995-0588. Village at Lee Branch, Hoover. [added Dec. 24]

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Renaissance Ross Bridge: Restaurants open at various hours all day long both days. Reservations available by calling (205) 949-3057. 4000 Grand Ave., Hoover.

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Ruth’s Chris Steak House: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Christmas Eve, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Christmas Day. Holiday side dishes to go, $29.95, pick up through Dec. 24. Reservations available online. Embassy Suites Hotel, 2300 Woodcrest Pl., Homewood.

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Silver Coin Indian Grill: Christmas Eve: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.: Christmas Day: 5-9:30 p.m. (205) 823-9070. 3321 Lorna Road, Ste. 13, Hoover.

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Photo: The Bonnie Bluebird

Tao Asian: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (205) 685-8809. 345 Huntley Pkwy., Pelham. [added Dec. 16]

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Todd English PUB: 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Reservations available by calling (205) 307-3700. 2221 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Uptown, downtown.

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Two diners remain open 24 hours a day, Denny’s and Waffle House. Also, IHOP will be open both days, hours vary by location.

Also:

• The Levite Jewish Community Center will hold a pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Christmas Day. The $5 admission benefits the LJCC Scholarship Fund.
• Chabad of Alabama will hold a kosher Chinese buffet with the chef from Wok Express, 5-8 p.m. Christmas Day. $18, $10 for children; $36, $20 for children at the door.

Let us know in the comments if we missed a restaurant.

Auburn to Outback; Birmingham Bowl taps Florida, East Carolina

Alabama celebrates its SEC Championship win over Missouri.

It’s been a crazier-than-usual week for football in Alabama …

• For the 6th consecutive year, a team from the state will be battling for the national championship. No. 1 Alabama (12-1) faces No. 4. Ohio State (12-1) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day in New Orleans.

The winner faces either No. 2 Oregon (12-1) or No. 3 Florida State (13-0) on Jan. 12 in Dallas.

Alabama beat No. 16 Missouri 42-13 Saturday in Atlanta for its 24th SEC Championship. Hueytown native and persistent troublemaker Jameis Winston led Florida State over No. 12 Georgia Tech 37-35 in the ACC title game.

• No. 19 Auburn (8-4) will head to Tampa, also playing on New Year’s Day, for the Outback Bowl, facing No. 18 Wisconsin (10-3).

• South Alabama (6-6) will play in Montgomery’s inaugural Raycom Media Camellia Bowl on Dec. 20, taking on Bowling Green (7-6).

• In the Naming Sponsorship Still Available Birmingham Bowl on Jan. 3, Florida (6-5) will battle East Carolina (8-4). The Gators are making their first trip to this bowl, while the Pirates lost to South Florida in the first then-called PapaJohns.com Bowl in 2006.

• Mobile’s GoDaddy Bowl will have Arkansas State (7-5) in its fourth consecutive appearance Jan. 4. The Red Wolves won two out of three times and will face Toledo (8-4), last in the bowl in 2005 beating Texas-El Paso.

• UAB will not go bowling. The Blazers finished 6-6, with slim hopes of a bowl bid turned even slimmer by Tuesday’s announcement that the program was kaput.

• The 66th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl takes place Jan. 24 in Mobile. The South leads the series over the North 29-26-3.

• In last week’s high school finals …

• Hoover beat Prattville 35-21 to win the first ever 7A championship.
• Leeds defeated Deshler 30-0 for the 4A title.
• Clay-Chalkville topped Saraland 36-31 for the 6A championship, finishing a perfect 15-0.
• Pleasant Grove lost to St. Paul’s 35-13 in the 5A finals.

Video: Announcement of the Top 4 teams

Hoover, Clay-Chalkville, Pleasant Grove and Leeds have one final game next week

Photo: James Nicholas

Clay-Chalkville beat Gardendale in the regular season on the
way to a perfect record and a 6A title fight against Saraland
next week.

In a football-crazed state, why not more football?

The 3-day binge of high school championships has expanded with two more games. The Alabama High School Athletic Association changed to a seven-classification system in January, sending the state’s 32 largest schools to 7A.

The Birmingham-area teams competing for state titles are Hoover, Clay-Chalkville, Pleasant Grove and Leeds. Hoover faces Prattville for the first 7A championship; the two teams won 11 of the last 12 6A titles.

Clay-Chalkville won the 6A title in 1999; the Cougars face Saraland making its first trip to the finals. Pleasant Grove also makes its first trip to the 5A finals, taking on St. Paul’s, which won the title in 2007. Leeds won the 3A title twice before moving up to 4A; the Green Wave faces three-time 4A champs Deshler.

The seven championship matches will kick off with an exhibition flag football game between Hewitt-Trussville and Lawrence County. The Unified Sports program, part of Special Olympics, puts students with mental disabilities with other athletes for competition and fun. The Alabama Special Olympics is helping put on the Wednesday afternoon game.

All Super Seven games take place Wednesday through Dec. 5 at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, airing on Fox 6.1 and 6.2 and streaming online. Tickets are $12 per day and available online.

Wednesday

• 3:30 p.m.: Exhibition flag football: Hewitt-Trussville vs. Lawrence County
• 7 p.m.: Class 7A – Prattville (11-2) vs. Hoover (11-2)

Thursday

• 11 a.m.: Class 3A – Dale County (14-0) vs. Madison Academy (13-1)
• 3 p.m.: Class 1A – Maplesville (13-0) vs. Hubbertville (13-0)
• 7 p.m.: Class 5A – St. Paul’s (14-0) vs. Pleasant Grove (12-2)

Dec. 5

• 11 a.m.: Class 4A – Leeds (13-1) vs. Deshler (12-1)
• 3 p.m.: Class 2A – Elba (14-0) vs. Fyffe (14-0)
• 7 p.m.: Class 6A – Clay-Chalkville (14-0) vs. Saraland (13-1)

Super 7 / AHSAA

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