AMS 2023 Venue
Location
AMS 2023 will be held on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. Tuscaloosa is located just one hour from Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) in Birmingham, AL and is easily and affordably accessible by commuter shuttle operators. Most events will be held at the Bryant Conference Center. The welcome reception and closing banquet will be held in the grand hall of the Alabama Museum of Natural History.
Transportation to Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa has several transportation services connecting it to the Birmingham (and Atlanta) airport. Groome Transportation's airport shuttle is likely to be the most cost-effective option.
Groome Transportation: (205) 719-0469
Rides may be booked online or by phone.
Crown Transportation: (205) 758-3875
Rides may be booked online or by phone.
The BHM Rental Car facility is located in section 1B on the ground level of the airport parking deck and features a variety of options in rental car companies. All rental cars can be conveniently picked up and dropped off in the parking deck.
https://www.flybirmingham.com/rental-cars/
Taxi and rideshare service is also available from BHM to Tuscaloosa. The cost is approximately $100-120 (plus tip). Taxis are normally waiting outside the baggage claim area of the airport. As always, you should ask the driver for the price and agree to the price before you get in the taxi.
Uber Airport Shuttle: (205) 333-9879
Rides may be booked online or by phone.
Lyft Birmingham Airport
Rides must be booked online.
Accommodations
A block of rooms is reserved at Hotel Capstone (20 Paul W Bryant Dr., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401), which is located immediately adjacent to the Bryant Conference center and just a 10-minute walk from the Alabama Museum of Natural History. Standard rooms are $129/night.
Use this link to book a room at Hotel Capstone using the AMS 2023 discounted rate.
- Choose your date of arrival by clicking on “check-in” and departure in “check-out”; select “search”
- Select the room type you prefer by clicking on “Show Rooms” and it will drop down your available options
- Select “Book Now” for the room that fits your needs
- Complete your reservation by entering all requested information and click “Continue”; you will receive their confirmation number upon completion.
- Only the dates of the conference and room types contracted are available at the contracted rate -- rooms requested outside of your block dates or different room types are based on availability and at the prevailing rate.
Prefer to book by phone:
- Rooms in the block can be booked by calling 205-752-3200. Ask for the AMS 2023 block with the corresponding dates – 8/1/23 – 8/5/23.
- The Agent will ask for an email address, so that we may email your confirmation letter; They will also be able to provide the confirmation number for you over the phone.
- Be prepared with your payment method as it will be required to make a reservation over the phone.
There are many other hotels nearby and there are other options for accommodations through vacation home rental websites. Unfortunately, due to summer programs at the University of Alabama, discounted housing on the UA campus is not available.
Restaurants & Coffee
River
Location: 1650 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.3 miles
Price: $$$
Riverside bistro restaurant with a nice bar and outdoor seating serving classic southern dishes and variations. Good wine list, and nice bar.
Forte Cuts & Cocktails
Location: 2321 6th Street, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 2 miles
Price: $$$
French staples and classic cuts on a Brasserie meets Steakhouse inspired menu. Paired alongside a thoughtful wine list and an excellent bar program, Forte is Tuscaloosa’s newest dining destination.
Urban Bar & Kitchen
Location: 2321 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.9 miles
Price: $$
Restaurant with a minimalist boho style. Classic southern dishes and variations. Good bar and coffee.
Avenue Pub
Location: 2230 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.8 miles
Price: $$
Original take on pub classics alongside craft beers and fresh cocktails in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Heat Pizza Bar
Location: 2250 6th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.7 miles
Price: $$
Artisan pizza and salads. Lots of outdoor seating. Nice drinks too.
Hooligans
Location: 515 15th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 0.8 miles
Price: $
Another Tuscaloosa classic. American dishes with a Mediterranean flair. Popular for breakfast and lunch.
Dreamland BBQ
Location: 5535 15th Ave. East Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 / BBQ, 101 Bridge Ave, Northport, AL 35476
Distance from venue: 4.4 / 3.6 miles
Price: $
Founded in 1958, it is a must-visit for barbecue fans known for its famous secret recipe barbecue sauce and ribs. A wide variety of Southern favorite side dishes are also offered. The banana pudding is a dream.
Mr Chen's
Location: 514 14th street - Parkview Plaza, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 0.6 miles
Price: $
Popular Chinese restaurant close to the UA campus. Connected to an Asian grocery store. Good service. Lunch specials.
Ichiban Japanese Grill
Location: 2321 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.9 miles
Price: $
Great place for cheap and quality Japanese food. Lunch specials.
Antojitos Izcalli
Location: 623 Hargrove E Rd
Distance from venue: 1.9 miles
Price: $
Amazing and fairly authentic Mexican food. Very popular place to go for lunch.
Babe's Doughnuts
Location: 500 Greensboro Ave., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.9 miles
Price: $
A family-owned breakfast, brunch and coffee business located in Downtown Tuscaloosa. Donuts, breakfast bowls, breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
City Cafe
Location: 408 Main Ave, Northport, AL 35476
Distance from venue: 3.5 miles
Price: $
City Cafe is a very local spot for lunch or breakfast. Southern cookin' and friendly staff. Not open on weekends.
Waysider
Location: 1512 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.9 miles
Price: $
The Waysider serves breakfast-only on the weekends but has lunch specials Tuesday through Friday. Southern fare served. Cool atmosphere.
Mo' Bay Beignet Co. Tuscaloosa
Location: 401 23rd Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.9 miles
Price: $
Beignets and coffee in Downtown Tuscaloosa.
Monarch
Location: 714 22nd Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.6 miles
Price: $$
Coffee shop with hipster vibes in Downtown Tuscaloosa. Good coffee and pastries.
Turbo
Location: 2010 8th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.4 miles
Price: $$
Coffee shop in Downtown Tuscaloosa, nice coffee and fresh, made in-house cold-pressed juices, acai bowls and smoothies. Closes later than the rest of the cafes in the center.
Watering Holes
Loosa Brews
Location: 412 20th Ave
Distance from venue: 1.8 miles
Price: $
A popular bar among biology folks at UA, this location has 63 taps that are constantly rotating. There is a lovely outdoor area in the back with tables and plants. Inside, there is an arcade room and a front area with couches with a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
Druid City Brewing Company
Location: 607 14th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 0.7 miles
Price: $
Local brewery. Limited indoor seating but lots of outdoor space. Often has live music.
Black Warrior Brewing
Location: 2216 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.8 miles
Price: $
Local brewery with a laid-back atmosphere and a wide variety of beers on tap right on Tuscaloosa's main drag.
Session
Location: 2221 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Distance from venue: 1.7 miles
Price: $$$
Upscale cocktail bar with excellent albeit pricey drinks. They have happy hour specials.
Icon
Location: 516 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, 35401
Distance from venue: 1.7 miles
Price: $$
Tuscaloosa's gay bar. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.