March 8

March 8 in the history of the Birmingham District:

• 2016: The renovated Redmont Hotel opened.
• 2007: Governor Bob Riley designated George Watson Day.
• 2007: The annual Birmingham Area Music Awards ceremony was held at WorkPlay.
• 2006: The Proffitt's at the Riverchase Galleria was converted to a Belk's.
• 2000: The Briary reopened in its West Homewood location.
• 1943: George Watson drowned while rescuing shipmates during World War II.
• 1888: The Birmingham District's first locally-produced steel was made by the Henderson Steel & Manufacturing Company.
• 1886: Birmingham's first Mardi Gras parade was organized by the German Society.

Sheila Tyson, born March 8, 1961

Births

• 1969: Poet and educator Sharrif Simmons was born in Long Island, New York.
• 1961: Birmingham Citizens Advisory Board president Sheila Tyson was born.
• 1958: Baseball coach Brian Shoop was born.
• 1862: Judge William Grubb was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Deaths

• 2010: University of Alabama administrator and first Big Al Melford Espey died.
• 2007: Mama Petite, a hippopotamus at the Birmingham Zoo, was euthanized.
• 1943: George Watson died at sea while rescuing shipmates.

Sports

• 2016: The 2016 Conference USA Men's Basketball Tournament began at Legacy Arena.
• 2009: Andy Roddick clinched a US victory in front of 15,118 fans at the 2009 Davis Cup first round tie at the BJCC.