Infographic: Saturday Night Tide: Tailgating with the University of Alabama
With football season in full swing and the heat of summer fading away, it's the perfect time to grab the grill and head to campus. While tailgating goes on across the country, few schools can compete with Alabama's spirited game-day action. Whether you're a student, alum or just a die-hard fan, here's everything you need to know about tailgating with the Tide.
15-Time Champs
The University of Alabama has had 15 national championship football seasons, including three in the past
five years. !
Who's Who
Can you identify Bama fans by their game day attire? If you're on campus for every home game, then you can
probably recognize the groups by their signature duds.
Students
While some students choose to dress up for the games, wearing Bama polos and red and white dresses, many go
for comfort. We all know how hot it can get in Bryant-Denny Stadium, so shorts, t-shirts, jerseys are
everywhere. The most popular trend, though, might just be Houndstooth, which is worn as a tribute to the
legendary Bear Bryant.
The Greeks
While non-Greeks often opt for a more casual approach, sorority sisters and fraternity brothers arrive in
style for tailgating. Button-downs and ties for the guys, sundresses for the girls, and Crimson Tide
accessories all around.
Alumni
It's hard to tell younger alumni apart from the students, as they generally wear jerseys and t-shirts just
like they did during their college days. Older fans are more likely to dress up. Alabama Oxford or polo
shirts are common for men, while ladies often accessorize with festive jewelry, featuring little elephants
or the Alabama "A."
The Story of the Crimson Tide
The moniker "Crimson Tide" was coined by sports reporter Hugh Roberts during the last Iron Bowl before a
forty-year break. The field was drenched, dying Alabama's white uniforms crimson from the Alabama red clay.
Unaffected by mud and water, the team swept over the field like a tide, holding back the predicted winner,
Auburn, to a 6-6 tie.
Tailgating 101
The RV Lots
The RV lot is full of serious tailgaters. Fans of all ages crowd here to party, and RVs make the perfect
place to retreat from the Alabama heat. This dedicated crowd arrives the night before to set everything up
perfectly for the next day's game. Spots sell out quick, so if you're interested, you better buy in advance!
The Quad
The quad is student central, and that's not just for classes. On gameday, excited Bama students and fans
crowd around Denny Chimes, gearing up for the game. Tents, grills, and games fill the grassy area, creating
a sea of crimson and white. Stop by the quad for for a pre-game burger and quick game of cornhole before
heading to Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Presidential Park
Presidential Park is an exclusive area for the tailgating elite. With your own reserved spot and tent
assistants to help you set up your spread, you can focus on what really matters--the game. Reserve a spot
today and tailgate like Crimson Tide royalty.
Sorority / Fraternity Row
Although the main action is the quad, most Greeks start out here, meeting up with their brothers and sisters
before heading further into campus. There's always tons happening on the row, so it's a good place to start
the day.
Bryant-Denny: The Stadium of Champs
Bryant-Denny Stadium has hosted the Crimson Tide for nearly 85 years. The 101,821-seat stadium has set the
stage for countless wins, including a 57-game home winning streak that stretched on for two decades.
Pick a Seat!
Student Section
The Rowdiest Place in T-Town!
Student Organization Seating
Where the Greeks sit
The Million Dollar Band
Definitely the Loudest Section...
Press Box
Eli Gold's Domain
Ivory Club
Reserved for the Boosters
President's Box
Best seats in the house
Faculty and Staff Section
Reserved for Faculty and Staff
The Zone
A Party at Each End Zone
Away Section
Reserved for Fans of the Losing Team
Economic Boost
The Tide provides more than just a moral boost for fans. Home football games had a total statewide impact
of $175.5 million for the 2011 season, an average of $25.1 million per game.
Infographic: Saturday Night Tide: Tailgating with the University of Alabama, Courtesy of The SUPeStore