Topgolf in talks for Birmingham location

Topgolf, a golf entertainment complex, is looking at Birmingham as the potential home for its first Alabama location.

The global company is in talks with the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority about the BJCC-owned property in the Uptown Entertainment District, located between 11th Ave. N. and 12th Ave. N. and 24th and 26th streets.

“We are pleased to be working with Topgolf International on their efforts to bring their popular concept to the Birmingham area,” said BJCC Executive Director Tad Snider in a release. “Topgolf offers outstanding synergy by providing both recreation and entertainment for Birmingham area residents.”

Snider said the BJCC and Topgolf are working together on due diligence for the proposed site and “feel confident more exciting news will be forthcoming.”

In order for Topgolf to build the proposed 65,000-square-foot facility on the BJCC-owned property, the land must first be rezoned.

The proposed venue would include a three-story golf range, with a 215-yard outfield, 102 hitting bays, a full-service restaurant and bars, private event spaces and a rooftop terrace. The venue is expected to create about 500 jobs and serve 450,000 guests in its first year, according to Topgolf communications specialist Morgan Wallace.

Even if the rezoning goes through, however, a Topgolf location is not guaranteed. At this time, Topgolf is discussing the possibility of leasing the BJCC’s land, said BJCC director of communications and brand strategy Cindy Fisher Crawford.

“It’s not a total done deal even if the city rezones it,” Crawford said.

Topgolf Vice President of Real Estate Development Zach Shor said the company has long considered Birmingham when looking at expanding.

“As we look to expand in the Southeast, Birmingham is a key market that has been on Topgolf’s radar for a long time,” Shor said in a release. “With all the recent development in the downtown Birmingham area and all that the Uptown Entertainment District around the BJCC offers, we look forward to continuing our efforts to finalize a venue in the Birmingham market.”

Mayor William Bell said in a release that Topgolf coming to downtown is a positive step for revitalization efforts.

“It’s always been a dream of ours to see a vibrant and energized northern area downtown with conventions, entertainment and exciting events that are world-class,” Bell said. “Topgolf and its unique concept would represent a true game-changer for the area, further complementing what the Westin and current Uptown establishments add to the area.”