Poarch Creek Indians Make Major Donation for Tuscaloosa’s Saban Center

Tuscaloosa's soon-to-be-built Saban Center has another new partner in the Poarch Creek Indians, who have made one of the biggest donations for the project's development to date in a collaboration announced Wednesday.

As the Thread has reported, the Center will be a major STEM learning hub and also house the Tuscaloosa Children's Theatre and the Children’s Hands-On Museum, which is rebranding as IGNITE.

Work is expected to begin soon on the $75 million construction of the Center at the site of the now-demolished Tuscaloosa News building downtown near the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater and the Black Warrior River.

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The war chest of public and private funds for the Saban Center continues to grow, and the city's estimated budget for the whole project is $120 million. 

On Wednesday, the Saban Center announced that the Poarch Creek Indians have made a major contribution and are the newest partners committed to bringing a world-class attraction to Tuscaloosa and educating regional children.

Stephanie A. Bryan, the Tribal Chair of the Poarch Creek Indians, said the partnership shows the tribe's emphasis on education and will expand access to "transformative learning experiences."

“We are proud to join with Terry and Nick Saban in providing STEM and arts education to children in Alabama through the Saban Center," she said. "This collaboration represents our shared commitment to making sure our state’s young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and are well prepared to meet the demands of the future. It is truly a legacy project that the Sabans and our Tribe are committed to its success for generations to come.”

Mrs. Terry Saban, a former educator and the longtime face of the family's philanthropic efforts, thanked the PCI for their donation and collaboration in the days ahead.

“Nick and I are immensely grateful to the Poarch Creek Indians for the generous support of the Saban Center," Mrs. Terry Saban said in a press release. "This partnership is a true example of what’s possible when we come together in supporting education for our children.”

City leaders expect the finished Saban Center to be a crown jewel in downtown Tuscaloosa's expanding River District, and they also shared their gratitude in the Wednesday announcement.

“I am incredibly excited about this partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians," said Audrey Buck, Director of the Saban Center. "By joining forces, we are creating new opportunities and expanding what’s possible for every child who walks through our doors.”

“This new partnership with the Poarch Creek Indians will help us succeed in delivering a world-class experience to the next generation," Mayor Walt Maddox concluded. "Together, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, brighter future for our children.”

For more coverage of the Saban Center's development and other news from across West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.