Florence Expands Entertainment District to Include New UNA Stadium

The Florence City Council has approved an expansion of the city’s entertainment district to include the area surrounding the new Bank Independent Stadium, according to media reports.

The change will allow football fans attending University of North Alabama home games to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating downtown businesses and carry them into a new tailgating area known as The Pines. To accommodate the tailgating area, Pine Street will be closed during UNA home football games.

University officials said the expansion is intended to create a better game-day experience while encouraging fans to dine and shop at downtown businesses before heading to the stadium.

The university also plans to serve beer and wine inside Bank Independent Stadium once it receives the necessary beer and wine license before the season begins.

Florence City Council President Kaytrina Simmons said the ordinance change was approved with future stadium events in mind, not just football games.

UNA’s first home game at the new Bank Independent Stadium is scheduled for September 19.