Birmingham gets it...

[Xenomorph]

20 years ago Birmingham was in dire straights. They've since built Barons Stadium downtown, attracted a Top Golf and committed to the painful process of completely remodeling the I-20/I-69 interchange. There are multiple large remodel jobs underway retrofitting derelict industrial sites/buildings into multi-use projects. They've totally revitalized their downtown area. This is the icing on the cake for them:

https://www.bizjournals.com/birming...oves-site-plan-for-protective-stadium-at.html

 

[bulldogbaja]

Hijack: what is the obsession with Top Golf? It's a pretty ugly addition to a neighborhood, and really, what percentage of the population cares?

 

[preacher_dawg]

But are they still broke though? Don't get me wrong, I think for a city of that size, these things have to be done, but I have heard over the years how badly they mismanaged money.

 

[The Fatboy]

It has changed so much in the last 15 years. I love it here. Yes there are areas you still cannot go but that's every medium to large size metro area in the world.

The new football stadium they are building is going to be great. Will also double as a soccer stadium. Supposed to be completed in 2020 in time for the World Games.

 

[Cat Duck]

The things Birmingham is doing is just common sense. Nothing special. Cities all over the country did this stuff years ago.

Jackson will likely end up doing it 20 years from now. That’s about the cycle.

ETA: B’ham did not “commit” to revamping the bridges either. ALDOT did it. And 40 years too late because they were about to collapse. The City actually protested a lot of it and many NGOs wanted them moved. It was out of sheer necessity.

Do not give more credit than is due.

In addition, it’s private investors that revived the downtown. I will say that having a favorable mayor helped, and a lot of people just got over the race stuff. Although it’s still there, people just realized that they had to eventually get along.

 

[Xenomorph]

Top Golf is a status symbol. Attracting their brand means you're on the up-and-up. We can debate whether that should be true.. but it's not debatable that it is.

And I don't know what percentage of the population likes it or how ugly folks think their setup is.. but I was there with clients about two months ago and had one helluva time.

 

[hatfieldms]

Top Golf is great. Still hoping Memphis gets one sooner than later.

 

[dickiedawg]

We went in Kansas City last year, it was a blast.

 

[UpTheMiddlex3Punt]

They also have a pretty strong University in UAB and attracted a lot of biotech and medical companies to the city. Jackson does not have a high-quality, large research university, so they won't be doing anything like Birmingham did anytime soon.

 

[Duke Humphrey]

They do have university medical center. Which is basically what UAB has when it comes to attracting private investment.

 

[o_Hot Rock]

My Son-

Top Golf is great. Still hoping Memphis gets one sooner than later.

I have never been to a Top Golf. My son-in-law said its great and he barely likes golf but he loves TOP Golf.

I plan on going sometime when I am down in Jacksonville visiting.

 

[Xenomorph]

Jackson has the capitol too which brings a lot of folks downtown. B'ham doesn't have that.

 

[The Fatboy]

Moving The Barons downtown coincided with the state allowing breweries. That was the match that lit the flame. At the same time the city started making areas "entertainment districts" that opened the doors for an influx of capital.

 

[civildawg88]

I wonder if mdot will ever rework waterworks curve or if it would be too much of a cluster to even think about

 

[The Fatboy]

The university and two hospitals are downtown in Birmingham. Not too mention the Barons, the soccer team, multiple music venues, restaurants, bars, etc. The music and food scene is getting a lot of publicity.

 

[maroonmania]

Top Golf is a status symbol. Attracting their brand means you're on the up-and-up. We can debate whether that should be true.. but it's not debatable that it is.

And I don't know what percentage of the population likes it or how ugly folks think their setup is.. but I was there with clients about two months ago and had one helluva time.

Well, Huntsville has a Top Golf. Didn't realize it was such a status symbol. But alas, no Cheesecake Factory.

 

[Bulldogg31]

Hijack: what is the obsession with Top Golf? It's a pretty ugly addition to a neighborhood, and really, what percentage of the population cares?

The answer is whatever % of the population likes to eat food, drink drinks, play games, laugh, and have fun.

So I’m guessing 73%

Top Golf is as much about golf as the skating rink used to be about skating.

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

Top Golf is a status symbol. Attracting their brand means you're on the up-and-up. We can debate whether that should be true.. but it's not debatable that it is.

And I don't know what percentage of the population likes it or how ugly folks think their setup is.. but I was there with clients about two months ago and had one helluva time.

We have one but I have not been. Is it for everyday golfers or can anyone have fun there?

 

[NashLA]

Lee Ann Macknally, mentioned in the article, and her husband Whit, who together make up Macknally Land Design, are tried-and-true Bulldogs.

 

[Dubs.sixpack]

Top Golf is great. Still hoping Memphis gets one sooner than later.

Me too. Ironically, their CEO from 2014-2018 is a University of Memphis grad.

Where would you put it?

 

[o_dawgnabit]

We have one but I have not been. Is it for everyday golfers or can anyone have fun there?

Anyone can have fun at top golf. I am a terrible golfer but can hold my own there. It’s great for taking customers and clients to also. We have 2 in Atlanta but I’m excited for the one in Huntsville since I go there a lot for work

 

[fishwater99]

We have one but I have not been. Is it for everyday golfers or can anyone have fun there?

Yes, it's just a fancy driving range where can play games by scoring points for each shot.
They have table(slot) service for beer and food. Many other games and live music.
I have been to the one in Vegas, took my young daughters and they loved it.
It can be fun if you are serious too, take your buddy's drink beer and do some gambling..

 

[TrueMaroonGrind]

They have Top Golf's driving range product at Golf and Games on Summer. I haven't made it out yet to try it, but it sounded like a lite version of Top Golf.

 

[Crucifictorious]

I first played Top Golf 15-16 years ago in Alexandria, Virginia and it was a blast. Who knew it would become the status symbol it is today. It was just a way to hit some golf balls and drink beer without having to walk or drive.

 

[Go Budaw]

Anyone can have fun at top golf. I am a terrible golfer but can hold my own there. It’s great for taking customers and clients to also. We have 2 in Atlanta but I’m excited for the one in Huntsville since I go there a lot for work

Not sure if I took your meaning correctly, but the one in Huntsville has been open for about a year and a half already.

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

Thanks!

 

[KentuckyDawg13]

Louisville, KY is trying to keep Top Golf from building a complex.
https://insiderlouisville.com/economy/topgolf-files-motion-requesting-court-uphold-city-approval/

 

[KentuckyDawg13]

Past few times we stopped in Bham (usually on our way to the Gulf Coast), we stop for food/drink. Have noticed the improvements each time. Just wish Beer Engineers were still around.

 

[T-TownDawgg]

Interesting how descriptions of "Top Golf" are almost always interchangeable with "fake titties"

 

[TankOwens]

Thanks for the kind words NashLA.

 

[Cat Duck]

They also have a pretty strong University in UAB and attracted a lot of biotech and medical companies to the city. Jackson does not have a high-quality, large research university, so they won't be doing anything like Birmingham did anytime soon.

Except MS does have the medical center.

UAB most definitely helped B’ham (University that Ate Birmingham), but that’s not why Jackson can’t replicate. The reason Jackson is behind is because Birmingham was simply bigger (nearly double) with more money. The reasons for that date back to the old economies. Got nothing to do with the new. The stuff they have now is based on them being an urban center in general, not anything special they did.

If you want to see a city that has its act together in this region, it’s Huntsville or Raleigh. Jobs come first.

 

[houstonutsack]

I lived in B'ham (Homewood) for 8 years and worked downtown. Left there 2 years ago for retirement. If it wasn't for UAB B'ham would be Detroit as metal melting and bending is a dead industry. The taxes were terrible-10% sales tax, 5% state income tax and 1% of gross salary for working in Birmingham not to mention the high price of utilities. We enjoyed the town except for those items.

 

[paindonthurt_]

The sales at bhm top golf suggest someone cares.
And I wouldn’t call it ugly either.

 

[UpTheMiddlex3Punt]

There's really no comparison between UAB and UMC. Sure, UAB has a medical school, but they have a well rounded university almost the size of Mississippi State tacked onto it. UMC is nice and it is no coincidence that the few safe places to walk around Jackson at night are close to UMC.

A good, large, research university in Jackson would turn the city around, but it will never happen. The existing universities will not let it happen.

As for Huntsville and Raleigh, Huntsville has the jobs and also has a really good engineering school with UAH (about 2/3 the engineering students of MSU). Raleigh has lots of good universities in it (NCSU) or nearby (Duke, UNC). People underestimate how many students will "stick around" after graduation. UAH attracts good students from around the southeast who stick around and work. You end up with a positive feedback cycle. The employers move more work to Huntsville because we develop the workforce, and the school gets more students because there are great job prospects here. The best students from Jackson area high schools leave Jackson for college and most never return.

 

[Cat Duck]

There's really no comparison between UAB and UMC. Sure, UAB has a medical school, but they have a well rounded university almost the size of Mississippi State tacked onto it. UMC is nice and it is no coincidence that the few safe places to walk around Jackson at night are close to UMC.

A good, large, research university in Jackson would turn the city around, but it will never happen. The existing universities will not let it happen.

As for Huntsville and Raleigh, Huntsville has the jobs and also has a really good engineering school with UAH (about 2/3 the engineering students of MSU). Raleigh has lots of good universities in it (NCSU) or nearby (Duke, UNC). People underestimate how many students will "stick around" after graduation. UAH attracts good students from around the southeast who stick around and work. You end up with a positive feedback cycle. The employers move more work to Huntsville because we develop the workforce, and the school gets more students because there are great job prospects here. The best students from Jackson area high schools leave Jackson for college and most never return.

Thanks for the obvious economic lesson and the vote of confidence for Jackson and MS. You out-of-staters love to throw shade and that is OK.

No one was comparing HSV or Raleigh to Jackson. Duh. The comparison is B’ham to Jackson.

There is never going to be a research university in Jackson because, well, there isn’t one. The others have been there forever. And the med school is good enough, we don’t have to have a UAB to spearhead growth.

The only thing that can change anything anywhere is employment. Some of the MANY MS-made entrepreneurs will need to stay in the state and grow their companies. Which will involve sacrifice. So many just up and move to another area because of various reasons. Here’s to hoping guys like C Spire and Drake make it big and stay here. Buy Sanderson Farms chicken, support the cause.

Anyways, congrats your your city pride. Alabama dawgs love to crow about HSV and BHam, whatever. Nevertheless, we should all here care about the well being of MS and Jackson, especially since we all root for MISSISSIPPI State University. Honestly, if that means Ole Miss grows too, so be it.

 

[PreacherDog]

Thanks for the obvious economic lesson and the vote of confidence for Jackson and MS. You out-of-staters love to throw shade and that is OK.

No one was comparing HSV or Raleigh to Jackson. Duh. The comparison is B’ham to Jackson.

There is never going to be a research university in Jackson because, well, there isn’t one. The others have been there forever. And the med school is good enough, we don’t have to have a UAB to spearhead growth.

The only thing that can change anything anywhere is employment. Some of the MANY MS-made entrepreneurs will need to stay in the state and grow their companies. Which will involve sacrifice. So many just up and move to another area because of various reasons. Here’s to hoping guys like C Spire and Drake make it big and stay here. Buy Sanderson Farms chicken, support the cause.

Anyways, congrats your your city pride. Alabama dawgs love to crow about HSV and BHam, whatever. Nevertheless, we should all here care about the well being of MS and Jackson, especially since we all root for MISSISSIPPI State University. Honestly, if that means Ole Miss grows too, so be it.

Technically, Jackson State is a research university with around 8,000 students. Of what, not sure but it is. I know many look down upon the HBCUs but it's there. Not comparing it to UAB. There are also several small colleges (Millsaps and MC in Clinton) and universities (Belhaven) in the Jackson area. Hinds CC has more students than JSU and I think possibly close to Southern for 3rd largest enrollment in state.

 

[Miketice]

Thanks for the obvious economic lesson and the vote of confidence for Jackson and MS. You out-of-staters love to throw shade and that is OK.

No one was comparing HSV or Raleigh to Jackson. Duh. The comparison is B’ham to Jackson.

There is never going to be a research university in Jackson because, well, there isn’t one. The others have been there forever. And the med school is good enough, we don’t have to have a UAB to spearhead growth.

The only thing that can change anything anywhere is employment. Some of the MANY MS-made entrepreneurs will need to stay in the state and grow their companies. Which will involve sacrifice. So many just up and move to another area because of various reasons. Here’s to hoping guys like C Spire and Drake make it big and stay here. Buy Sanderson Farms chicken, support the cause.

Anyways, congrats your your city pride. Alabama dawgs love to crow about HSV and BHam, whatever. Nevertheless, we should all here care about the well being of MS and Jackson, especially since we all root for MISSISSIPPI State University. Honestly, if that means Ole Miss grows too, so be it.

I'm Mississippi through and through although I have lived in Huntsville for 29 years .And care about the well being. But dam it's hard not to "throw shade" at Jackson. It's the biggest cluster 17 in the south. It just is. And it won't change.

 

[Cat Duck]

Technically, Jackson State is a research university with around 8,000 students. Of what, not sure but it is. I know many look down upon the HBCUs but it's there. Not comparing it to UAB. There are also several small colleges (Millsaps and MC in Clinton) and universities (Belhaven) in the Jackson area. Hinds CC has more students than JSU and I think possibly close to Southern for 3rd largest enrollment in state.

Hinds CC has some good tech things going on.

 

[Cat Duck]

I'm Mississippi through and through although I have lived in Huntsville for 29 years .And care about the well being. But dam it's hard not to "throw shade" at Jackson. It's the biggest cluster 17 in the south. It just is. And it won't change.

I’ve been an out of stater too. I get it. But the first step is to acknowledge that **** you said, and move past it. Stop repeating the same crap. It’s hit bottom. Time to start moving up, time for solutions. Not more criticism.

Honestly, right now is probably a damn good time to buy real estate in Jackson.

 

[Drebin]

I’ve been an out of stater too. I get it. But the first step is to acknowledge that **** you said, and move past it. Stop repeating the same crap. It’s hit bottom. Time to start moving up, time for solutions. Not more criticism.

Honestly, right now is probably a damn good time to buy real estate in Jackson.

What, we can’t criticize New Jack City anymore?

My daughter goes to school down there and I worry about her constantly. When that changes, I will think about cutting the city some slack. Until then, I will continue thinking it is a ********.