Saban Family Joins Tuscaloosa, Alabama Leaders to Celebrate Street Renaming, Children’s Learning Center

It was a busy morning in Tuscaloosa, as the Nick's Kids Jubilee took over downtown for a joyous celebration of philanthropy, family and football.

The occasion was headlined by several city leaders and the first family of football themselves: the Sabans. Mayor Walt Maddox, the Tuscaloosa City Council and local business leaders joined the Sabans to honor the Nick's Kids Foundation, a charitable organization run by the Sabans that seeks to empower and enrich the lives of West Alabama's children.

The primary reason for the celebration was honoring what was formerly 28th Avenue. The thoroughfare, which runs alongside the western edge of downtown Tuscaloosa, has now been named Nick's Kids Avenue in honor of the foundation.

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The University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band, Crimsonettes and Color Guard led a parade down the newly-named road to the Tuscaloosa News building, which was acquired by the foundation in the winter of 2019. The 100,000-plus square-foot building will soon be known as the Saban Center, a multi-purpose facility that will house activities and programs for children to learn math, science, technology, literacy, the arts and more.

Accompanying the UA pep squads were several child-based local organizations, including the Tuscaloosa YMCA, the RISE Center, The Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa Children's Theatre, and more.

To watch the entire parade, check out the video below:

The parade concluded with a ceremony and small festival honoring the street renaming. Local vendors were present to provide refreshments and entertainment while Mayor Walt Maddox addressed the crowds, telling stories about Nick Saban Sr. and the legacy he, although indirectly, has left on the Tuscaloosa community.

Katie King, the Director of Events and Planning within Alabama Athletics, then spoke about the 2021 Nick's Kids Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given to builder and investor Mike Brunner.

Terry Saban offered a brief statement of gratitude to all who have made Nick's Kids possible, including Tuscaloosans who have contributed to Habitat for Humanity projects, the impending development of the Saban Center, her children for continuing the legacy she and her husband have maintained, and more. She also took the time to shout out the Million Dollar Band, a well-known favorite of her personal gameday experience.

Nick Saban took the podium for a quick word about his father, the man who inspired him to be an ever-giving, compassionate person. He thanked the city and the mayor for their unbounded support, and his family for always being by his side.

To watch the entire ceremony, check out the video below:

After a quick "Roll Tide," the Sabans unveiled a Nick's Kids Avenue street sign for all to see. The ceremony concluded with a send-off from the Million Dollar Band, who played one of Terry Saban's favorite songs, "Tusk."

To see photos from the event, keep scrolling: