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Braly Stadium, North Alabama
Braly Stadium is the home of North Alabama football and numerous D2 football championships. Photo Courtesy: Lions Athletics
Built in 1949, the home of the North Alabama football team served as host of the NCAA Division 2 Football Championship game from 1986 through 2013. Originally known as Coffee Stadium, as the stadium is located near the site of the former Coffee High School, the facility was renamed in honor of Coffee High football coach and principal Robert Braly, Jr. in 1964.
In addition to the record 28 NCAA D2 football championship games held in its history, Braly Stadium has also played host to 30 North Alabama playoff games, including their three D2 football national championship wins from 1993 to 1995. North Alabama’s 28 straight home wins during their title run is among the longest streaks in D2 history, as was their 40 consecutive wins over D2 opponents from 1993 through 1995 — a record tied by Grand Valley State in 2007. And, what home game at Braly would be complete without a halftime performance by the Pride of Dixie marching band?
Even though the national championship game is now in Kansas City, that doesn’t mean there isn’t exciting football to be seen in Florence, especially with the Lions among the leaders in the Gulf South Conference.
