Gov. Kay Ivey joined Tuscaloosa officials and Nick and Terry Saban for a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday at the Tuscaloosa River Market, celebrating the launch of the Saban Center.
Expected to open in 2027, the center is described as a first-of-its-kind campus that will blend STEM education, the arts and hands-on learning. Community partners include the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and IGNITE, formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum.
The center aims to serve as a hub for student learning, teacher training and workforce development.
Terry Saban, quoted on the center’s website, said the couple had long dreamed of creating a place where children could learn and grow.
“As an educator, I have always believed that when you invest in children, you’re investing in the future,” she said.
Ivey has championed the center’s creation.
“From day one, a top priority of my administration has been giving every child in Alabama the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “I’m proud to stand with the Saban family as we invest in the next generation of Alabama leaders.”
The center is expected to cost about $120 million to build, according to media reports.
Ivey and the Legislature have directed money toward the center in recent budget years, including $1 million in fiscal year 2026 and $8 million in 2024.
Today, the City of Tuscaloosa broke ground on the Saban Center — a world-class campus and Alabama’s future STEM hub for children across the state.
Thank you to Nick & Terry Saban, Governor Ivey, the State of Alabama, and all of our partners who helped bring this vision to life! pic.twitter.com/vsLfK0PORF
— City of Tuscaloosa (@tuscaloosacity) August 6, 2025
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox praised the collaboration behind the effort, calling it a reflection of community-wide commitment to education.
“The Saban Center is a first-of-its-kind hub for education, featuring immersive STEM and arts programs,” he said. “It is an honor to partner with the Saban family, the State of Alabama, and all of the community partners who have made this project possible.”
During the ceremony, the Poarch Creek Indians announced a $5 million donation to the center – one of the largest contributions to date, according to the website.
“The Saban Center will create lasting opportunities for generations of young Alabamians and their families,” said Poarch Creek Indians CEO Stephanie Bryan.
“The mission of the Saban Center closely aligns with our tribe’s values and hopes for the future, and we are honored to contribute financially to this visionary project.”
The center will be located near the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater in Tuscaloosa’s River District, along the Black Warrior River.
