Braly Stadium

Creator

Preview

Source Collection

University of North Alabama Archives and Special Collections, University Collection, Collier Library 

Identifier

UA: BS-1

Description

In 1940, discussion began on a new athletic stadium. J.W. Powell, superintendent of city schools here in Florence, announced that an $80,125 Work Projects Administration project had been approved for the Tri-Cities to construct a stadium that would accommodate football, track, a baseball diamond, and "other necessary facilities." Construction continued through 1942, with many setbacks occurring due to the war. In mid-1942, the stadium was completed and became known as Coffee Stadium. In 1949, Florence State Teachers College revived its football program (under the leadership of Dr. Ethelbert B. Norton) and the Lions began playing at Coffee Stadium on Saturdays. In 1964, the stadium was renamed Braly Stadium, to honor the legacy of Tom Braly, Jr., who coached the Coffee High Yellow Jackets in the 1940s and 1950s, eventually serving as principal of Coffee High School. In 1980, the stadium would be renamed once again. It became Braly Municipal Stadium, hereby establishing the partnership between the university, the city of Florence, and the Florence School Board. In November 2025, the UNA Lions football team played their last game at Braly.

Date Created

1-16-2026

Date

No date

Rights

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