Smoke-breathing Blaze to Grace Bartow Arena

Ryan Headley, Staff Writer
Published On: 02/11/2008

A smoke-breathing Blaze statue is set to grace Bartow Arena concourse.

The Blaze statue is part of the effort of the administration to create traditions for the student body to participate in and get the total collegiate experience. The Blaze statue is also intended to create school spirit and encourage students to take pride in the traditions of the college.

“I like the idea of a dragon being somewhere on campus, because I think it helps the student body feel more connected to UAB,” said Christy Foster, a junior chemistry major. “I feel like it would give us something that could be a trademark for our campus”.

The Blaze sculpture is tentatively planned to be delivered the second week of April but may take a little longer than that. “All sculptures are different and usually take three to four months, maybe even five depending on weather,” said T.J. Neil a dedicated artist and sculpture.

Neil’s latest project is of significant concern for UAB student as his 10-foot tall; 12-foot long smoke breathing representation of Blaze the Dragon, UAB’s mascot, will soon grace the concourse of UAB’s Bartow Arena complete with UAB colored spotlights. The administration is very supportive of this project and has funded $30,000 for it.
“Blaze has already taken almost four months,” he said.

The Blaze statue looks to be over 7,000 pounds when finished.

Neil agreed to do the statue for UAB because it was his first opportunity to work for a university and dragons are his favorite object to sculpt. “You mention a dragon and I want to build it,” said Neil, who is extremely excited about the project and cannot wait to unveil his creation come April.

Neil has also written two “How To” books about sculpting. “To my knowledge there are no schools that teach concrete sculpting and anyone can do it if they want to.” said Neil.

For over 35 years Neil has been making quality, handmade, concrete and rebar sculptures out of his open sky studio in Tampa, Florida.

Neil has created hundreds of sculptures in his lifetime all of which can be viewed on his website tjneil.com