Alex Mortensen wants Birmingham to pack Protective Stadium on Saturday

Alex Mortensen doesn't usually make asks. He talks about preparation, execution and accountability. He talks about what his team can control. But at the end of his weekly press conference Monday, the first-year UAB head coach made a direct appeal.

"I really want to encourage our students, people in Birmingham, our fan base to get to the game," Mortensen said. "It certainly can help in a game. It's kind of two ways — you're thinking about affecting the opponent, obviously, but our players love it, too. It energizes them."

UAB (0-1) hosts Louisiana-Monroe (0-1) Saturday at Protective Stadium (2:30 p.m., ESPN+) in the Blazers' home opener. Tickets are available, and UAB is currently running a 2 for $26 flash sale through 11:59 p.m. Thursday. (https://www.gofevo.com/event/2for47).

The opponent adds intrigue. ULM is led by Bryant Vincent, who served as UAB's interim head coach in 2022 and was the program's offensive coordinator under Bill Clark. Several staff members on both sidelines have ties to the other program. The running back room alone is full of crossover — a story we detailed Monday.

Mortensen acknowledged the professional respect he has for his counterpart.

"They're led by Bryant Vincent, who obviously was here at UAB," Mortensen said. "He's been the interim head coach here. He's been the offensive coordinator here. I have a lot of respect for Coach Vincent. I have a lot of respect for the work he's done through his career as a coordinator and now also as a head coach. He's done a good job."

The Blazers' players want the stadium full. Linebacker Muazz Byard said a good crowd would change the energy.

"It's gonna mean everything," Byard said Monday. "We do a lot in the community. I feel like that's a big emphasis here at UAB is working the community, helping with things on campus and things like that. So having the fans there, I feel like it's gonna bring a whole new element to the game. We just want everyone to be there, and pack out, and pack out Protective."

Running back Bam McReynolds, who spent last season at ULM before following position coach Hindley Brigham back to Birmingham, called the home opener "really exciting."

"I really can't ask for much more," McReynolds said.

Mortensen framed it simply.

"We've got a great stadium, great venue," he said. "We've got a lot of high-quality people on this team that are worthy of supporting and cheering for. We would love to see as many people there as we can."

Gameday schedule

Tailgate lots open — 8:30 a.m.

All tailgate lots open six hours before kickoff.

Blazer Village, Student Tailgate and parking lots open — 10:30 a.m.

General parking areas open four hours before kickoff.

Blazer Walk — 12:05 p.m.

Join the band, spirit teams and fellow fans in welcoming the team as they march through Uptown.

Stadium gates open — 1:00 p.m.

Entry to the stadium and suites begins 90 minutes before kickoff.

Kickoff — 2:30 p.m.

UAB vs. Louisiana-Monroe. ESPN+.

For maps, tailgating policies and stadium rules, visit BlazerGameday.com.