Gang Green is back and ready to blaze the trail for student involvement at University of Alabama at Birmingham athletic events. 

Gang Green’s comeback signals a new chapter for student leadership and involvement at UAB. UAB Athletics has structured the organization to be entirely student-led — designed, driven and directed by students for students. The revitalized Gang Green offers exclusive benefits for its members and a renewed mission: to unite the Blazer community, amplify game day energy and make every athletic event an unforgettable experience.

Honoring the past, igniting the future

Originally founded in fall 2001, Gang Green quickly became a spirited and active presence on campus. For years, Gang Green led the charge at UAB Athletics events, rallying students to support the Blazers. Over time, the group lost visibility and evolved into a label for the student section at athletic events rather than an organized group, according to Drew Duckworth, the 2025 Gang Green president. The revamp aims to change that narrative, restoring Gang Green as a dynamic, student-led movement for engagement and Blazer pride.

“We want to honor the past of Gang Green through this revamp and want to bring back the spirit for UAB students, getting them more involved and seen at UAB Athletic games,” Duckworth said.

By channeling the legacy of UAB’s spirited past into a bold new era, Gang Green aims to empower students to take ownership of their role as the heartbeat of Blazer athletics—bringing unmatched energy, visibility and support to every game.

“The students at any university are the most important fans that they have. They set the tone for the energy in our stadiums and arena,” said Mark Ingram, associate vice president and director of Athletics. “I’m excited and appreciate that they are taking this important step to help our teams compete at their very best, giving them the competitive home field advantage that they deserve.” 

Benefits

It is free for students to join Gang Green. With the revamp, UAB athletics has organized some new perks for members.

Member benefits include:

• UAB Bookstore 10 percent discount
• Exclusive access to open practices
• Instant “Fired Up” reward points
• Free T-shirt
• Special Gang Green nights

These benefits are a way to get students excited about athletics and more invested in the teams. The organization plans to work toward increasing player recognition among students.

Events and involvement

Duckworth says the Gang Green leadership is planning to host events throughout the year to keep students involved with athletics in the offseasons. These include theme nights, giveaways, and meet-and-greets with players or coaches.

“We’re going to have a little fun with it to get students back into athletics and make Gang Green feel personal,” Duckworth said.

In addition to providing opportunities for student involvement at games, the new structure provides students with leadership opportunities through the organization’s five-member council, consisting of a president, vice president, treasurer and two social media coordinators.

“Our social media team is going to be out there on campus meeting up with students and doing interviews to get people excited leading up to different athletic events,” Duckworth said.

Registration is open for all UAB students to be a part of the Gang Green relaunch. To join the organization and get access to the benefits, click here.

“Gang Green will show up and be loud because that’s what student spirit should be,” Duckworth said. “We have great sports teams, and we are excited to lead the charge in Blazers’ showing up and showing out to support them.”