City News

Saban Center, a first-of-its-kind STEM hub and children’s performing arts center being built in the heart of Tuscaloosa, has announced five major partnerships with Alabama Power Foundation, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Mercedes-Benz, Parker Towing and The University of Alabama.

Watch the video announcement here.
 
These partnerships will help Saban Center build an innovative campus for education training, arts participation and academic support for residents across the Southeast.

“Saban Center's mission of revolutionizing STEM and performing arts programs for children across the state would not be possible without the terrific partners we have added today,” said Terry Saban. “Thanks to their generosity, we are another massive step forward toward realizing our goal.” 

“We’re honored to have these terrific partners join us in making our dream a reality,” said Nick Saban. “Their commitment to the families and residents of Alabama and beyond speaks volumes for the potential Saban Center has moving forward, and we cannot thank them enough.”

This exciting announcement comes on the heels of a partnership announcement with the Alabama State Department of Education to create a STEM hub that will not only deliver immersive STEM education to children, but also provide workforce development opportunities to educators. State support, along with these new partnerships, will help local and regional school districts educate and inspire children to enter STEM-related fields and will be an integral part of the overall strategy to improve STEM education in Alabama.

“Success is never an accident and it rarely happens in isolation,” Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said. “This transformational project for the future of our state would not be possible without the commitment of a hardworking team and a community of very supportive partners.”

“Coca-Cola is excited to be a part of the Saban Center which will undoubtedly continue to transform Tuscaloosa for generations to come,” said Mike Suco, president and CEO of Coca-Cola UNITED, the Alabama-based bottling company that includes Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola.  “We are honored to join with the University of Alabama, other leading businesses, the city and state, and of course the Saban family, in investing in this innovative educational initiative.
 
"We are thrilled to partner with the Saban Center as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community," stated Alison Phillips, spokesperson for Parker Towing Company. “We believe the Saban Center will be the leading institute for STEM education and performing arts for the state of Alabama. This collaboration will enable us to work together to build a brighter, more prosperous future for our community.”

“The University of Alabama is proud to collaborate with the Saban Center and the City of Tuscaloosa,” said UA President Stuart R. Bell. “The initiative will extend UA’s outreach to K-12 students as part of the Capstone’s teaching, research and service mission, and the Center will enhance STEM education in our state for children who will one day be professionals in our communities.”

Saban Center looks to revolutionize arts participation and academic support for teachers and families alike. From child-led theater productions to robotics sports labs, Saban Center will be Alabama’s hub for education, discovery and innovation.  

For more information, visit Sabancenter.org.