Naming rights sponsor officially turns the Protective Stadium lights on, marking another project milestone for the community’s multi-use stadium

Following the recent launch of a new brand identity, Protective Life Corporation (Protective), a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750) celebrated alongside employees, elected officials, business and community leaders and project partners as the Protective Stadium identification signage was officially turned on for the first time at Protective Stadium last evening.

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Protective Life Corporation and the BJCC celebrated alongside employees, elected officials, business and community leaders and project partners as the Protective Stadium identification signage was officially lit for the first time at Protective Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 14. (Photo: Business Wire)

Last week, Protective announced a new visual identity, including an expressive logo and differentiated brand color, which amplifies Protective’s purpose, builds on core values and clarifies the signature way the Company delivers on promises as protectors for its business, people and community. The new brand, now shining bright in downtown Birmingham, leverages the potential of the Company’s name and amplifies its purpose – “because we’re all protectors” – and allows all to see themselves as part of the Protective Story.

“Big things can happen when we collaborate toward a shared vision. I believe Birmingham has a bright future ahead, and Protective is proud to be part of bringing this stadium to life for our community,” said Rich Bielen, Protective President and Chief Executive Officer. “At Protective, we’ve been putting people first for more than a century – that will never change. Together, we’ll keep pushing to find better ways to contribute to the wellbeing and quality of life in our local communities, and Protective Stadium will offer many more opportunities to live out our purpose of being protectors.”

To commemorate the sign lighting, Protective employees, elected officials, business and community leaders, and project partners gathered to hear remarks from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, BJCC Executive Director and CEO Tad Snider, UAB President Ray Watts and Protective President and Chief Executive Officer Rich Bielen. The event also featured a spectacular finale with a drone show 400 feet in the sky, including 60 drones timed with lighted audience wristbands, counting down to the lighting of Protective Stadium’s new indigo sign.

“This is an exciting day for Birmingham and for the state of Alabama. Protective Stadium will have a tremendous impact on our state and in our communities,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Most importantly, the public private partnership forged throughout this process has shown us what’s possible when we come together to achieve a common goal.”

Attendees also heard a poem from Trysten Manning, an eighth-grader at Phillips Academy, who was the winner of the Protective Stadium poetry contest. The winning poem, “Still, My Steel City,” will go in the stadium’s time capsule.

“Birmingham’s greatest success stories are built on public private partnerships, and Protective Stadium is the latest example of that,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “The lighting of the stadium is a significant milestone in our progress and showcases that Birmingham can shine brighter when we work together. We look forward to welcoming visitors and fans to Protective Stadium as we host world-class events that will help move our city forward.”

Protective Stadium will be home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazer football team. The stadium will also host The World Games opening and closing ceremonies in July 2022.

“This has been an incredible team effort, and we are proud to call Protective Stadium home to UAB Blazer football,” said UAB President Ray Watts. “We look forward to welcoming our players, students and fans to this impressive facility in the heart of Birmingham.”

The $200 million multi-purpose stadium is the result of successful collaboration between the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Jefferson County, the City of Birmingham, the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation, and the Birmingham corporate community.

“The stadium has long been a part of the strategic vision for the BJCC and its Board of Directors,” said BJCC Authority Executive Director and CEO Tad Snider. “When the Authority took action following the return of the UAB football program and began to assemble the public-private support of the many partners in this project, it was clear the stadium would be an opportunity to showcase the momentum of the City of Birmingham.”

To learn more about Protective Stadium and to hear more about scheduled community events, visit ProtectiveStadium.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Protective Life Corporation

Founded in 1907, Protective Life Corporation (Protective) is on a mission to help more people achieve protection and security in their lives. Across its life insurance, annuity and asset protection solutions, the Company helps more than 12 million people protect what matters most. Protective’s more than 3,500 employees put people first and deliver on the Company’s promises to customers, partners, colleagues and communities – because we’re all protectors. With a long-term focus, financial stability and commitment to doing the right thing, Protective, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. (TSE:8750), has grown to over $127B in assets as of Dec. 31, 2020. Protective is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., and supported by its robust virtual workforce and core sites in Cincinnati and St. Louis. For more information about Protective, please visit www.protective.com.

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