Bama Gameday

Imagine being surrounded by a sea of loyal fans perpetually barbequing hamburgers, cheering, “Roll Tide Roll!”, and wearing the famous crimson and white; this is Alabama game day! Game days on the quad are nothing like what many new students expect or even imagine. It can be quite a shocking experience for those not familiar with Bama’s traditions, so we set out to discover what game days are really all about before football season begins.

By far, the biggest game day tradition is tailgating; and no, this isn’t your average trashy empty parking lot tailgating by any means. Thousands of tailgaters arrive days before the game with their massive RV’s, pop-up tents, grills, flat screen televisions, and food, ready for game day to arrive. As the morning of the game arrives, expect to see people out on the quad as early as five or six in the morning setting up tents and preparing for the epic game to unfold. Also while on the quad, expect to see footballs rocketing through the air, cheap beer pounded back by the case, sorority members flashing their pledge pins, and people flooding sidewalks across the campus. It’s a sight you have to see to believe.

A second tradition to witness on Bama game days is the Walk of Champions. The Walk of Champions features the entire beloved Crimson Tide football team parading through a huge crowd of adoring fans while on their way to Bryant Denny Stadium. Police escorts lead the huge charter buses that drop off the team, who intently and silently make their way to the locker room as countless fans scream their names along the way. This event takes place two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff on the North end zone of Bryant Denny, but be sure to get there earlier if you want a good view!

Not all game day traditions have to be so elaborate and widespread; the Elephant Stomp happens and hour and a half prior to kickoff on the steps of Gorgas Library. This pre-game pump-up consists of a pep rally featuring the Million Dollar Band in all of its glory. The blaring trumpets and roar of the thousands of Crimson Tide fans make The Elephant Stomp a definite must see! There are also various vendors that line the sidewalks across the campus selling tons of exclusive game day necessities. You’ll see Bama sports gear, the SuPe Store, and various eating establishments putting up shop to share the game day experience with each and every fan.

Lastly, there are several family orientated activities on the quad for added game day adventure. The Fun Factory is always represented abundantly on the quad with their moonwalks, obstacle courses, rock climbing walls, and giant slides; it’s a kid’s paradise! If the Fun Factory isn’t your style, then be sure to check out the autograph tent. Each home game, a different Bama sports team will be waiting to sign your gear! Athletes from baseball, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and more award-winning teams are represented throughout the season. So check beforehand to see when your favorite teams will be there!

Although we’ve mentioned quite a few different exhilarating events that take place on game days, there are tons of other activities you’ll have to discover for yourself. Whether you love rock climbing, barbequing, or simply drinking beer with your buddies, there is guaranteed to be something for you. So be prepared for massive crowds, a sea of crimson, and the time of your life as a new season of Alabama football begins! And remember, Roll Tide Roll!