Question: attending first bama home game in october

[crimson lady]

Hello Tidefans! I recently purchased tickets to attend the bama/ole miss game in October and as this will be my first bama game in Tuscaloosa I would greatly appreciate any game day tips and/or must dos. Thanks! I also wanted to apologize if there is a previous thread on this subject even though a search turned up no results. I am a relatively new member and I am still learning my way around the site.

 

[crmzn]

Get to the Walk of Champions a few hours before kickoff to watch the team get off the bus, as AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" blares over the speakers.

 

[TidePhin]

The Bryant Museum is a must do if it's your first time in Tuscaloosa

 

[Vinny]

I would get there really, really early to find parking. I'm sure it's going to be a nightmare, other that that, hope you enjoy. RTR

 

[tidehawk]

Park at McFarland Mall and ride the shuttle in - no need to fight the parking monster.

 

[BamafanLSUland]

Bama / Ole Miss game is Homecoming this year, if I recall correctly.

Bryant Museum is a must see - they open at 8:00 a.m. (they give you a sticker so you can come and go all day long by paying once).

Homecoming Parade is usually at 9:00 a.m. if game is at 2:00 / 2:30. I am a band nerd so I usually don't miss the Homecoming Parade.

An hour or 2 before game time, pep rally on Gorgus (spelling) Library steps, which is on the backside of the quad followed by the elephant stomp -- band marches to the stadium.

Homecoming usually falls around my birthday, so that is one of the games that I choose to travel from Baton Rouge to. Lots to see and do.

Hope you enjoy your first home game experience.

 

[bilbo]

All good suggestions.
Try to have breakfast at the Waysider and eat ribs at the original Dreamland

 

[CullmanTide]

When the crowd erupts as the team storms out of the tunnel and the Million Dollar Band plays "Yea Alabama" enjoy the goose bumps.

 

[VegasTide]

Ha, maybe its because I didn't grow up in the South nor a Bama fan, but as a student from 00-04, I didn't do half the things mentioned on this list. Now, of course, I'd do it all... Oh, but do check out the original Dreamland...

Well, I do have a tip. Go ahead and fight the parking nightmare. Park in a yard and support a student by giving him/her 10 bucks! Bonus if you share a beer w/ said student. :wink:

 

[SavannahDare]

A good place to park is the grass soccer lot on University. Costs $10 and you can either make the quick walk down University to The Quad or ride the Crimson Ride shuttle for free.

There's always plenty of vendors on The Quad for food, drinks, souvenirs, etc. There are also usually some activities for the kids if you're bringing them.

The Million Dollar Band warms up and does a little pep rally of sorts about 1 1/2 hours before kickoff. They do some stuff in groups on The Quad in the area between Denny Chimes and Gorgas Library, then move to the steps of the library to perform with the cheerleaders and Big Al. You'll want to look around the chimes and look at past team captains' hand/cleat prints.

The Walk of Champions occurs about 2 hours before kickoff on the north side of the stadium. Coach Saban's statue will be a new and popular photo op this season.

I second the votes above about trying to catch breakfast at The Waysider downtown. Lots of good food and you'll be surrounded by Bama atmosphere. Don't be put off by the line. It does move, but try to get there EARLY.

The Bryant Museum is always a must-see and is a short walk from The Quad.

Mostly just enjoy the pregame atmosphere and a Bama victory.

For more information on traffic flow, parking and activities, follow news on UA Gameday.

 

[Rueben]

Ha, maybe its because I didn't grow up in the South nor a Bama fan, but as a student from 00-04, I didn't do half the things mentioned on this list. Now, of course, I'd do it all... Oh, but do check out the original Dreamland...

Well, I do have a tip. Go ahead and fight the parking nightmare. Park in a yard and support a student by giving him/her 10 bucks! Bonus if you share a beer w/ said student. :wink:

key word in bold!!!

 

[grits4bama]

Also, enjoy the goosebumps right before the team comes out and Thunderstruck is playing along with all the videos on the jumbo screens!!

 

[GoBama#1]

All good suggestions.
Try to have breakfast at the Waysider and eat ribs at the original Dreamland

You know you are at the original because it looks like a shack and is outside the main part of town, but it is worth it.

 

[CrimsonProf]

Step 1: Eat at Big Bad Wolves, drink at Egan's until half an hour before kickoff.

Step 2: Go to game.

Step 3: After game, go back to step 1.

 

[crimson lady]

Thanks to everyone that responded! Looks like some good info.

 

[VegasTide]

You know you are at the original because it looks like a shack and is outside the main part of town, but it is worth it.

Have they fixed that joint up at all since '04? I remember being kinda scurred the first time I went.

 

[Alanbama27]

With all due respect to all the suggestions there are some items missing on this list. Normally on Homecoming the Quad is jam packed with ex-players signing all sorts of memorabilia. Tuscaloosa on a cool (or even comfortable) fall Saturday (and even moreso on Homecoming) is a special place to be. Forget parking in the boonies (McFarland Mall) or even at the soccer lot. If you get to T-Town early enough (by 10:00 am will do just fine even for a 2:00 kick-off, but as was suggested you won't want to miss the parade if you can help it...it's great) you can park within two blocks of BD for free or even $10 bucks. I say free because there is legal parking on some side streets between University and Bryant or just off of Bryant and it's close and easy to get out of after the game. If you ride the shuttle you have to wait after the game for a shuttle and if you park in the soccer lot and we happen to have damp conditions your car could get stuck if it's bad enough. I'm not hoping for it, but better safe than sorry. They even closed the soccer lot before two games last year because everything would have gotten stuck!

Anyway, call ahead and order your Dreamland and pick it up in the morning and put it in a heated place and wait until you chill with a nice cold one before the game to devour it. I agree that Bryant Museum is a MUST as is the Elephant Stomp and hearing the band warm-up on the Quad. And you've got to get into the Stadium at least 45 minutes early to get all of the pre-game videos! The chill bumps will be non-stop!

 

[Relayer]

Make sure to visit Denny Chimes and the Walk of Fame at its base.

See names of many Bama football greats and see if you fit any of their hand/foot prints :biggrin:

 

[Vinny]

We are staying in Hoover, it's just getting too expensive to stay in TTown. The past few years we have stayed at the comfort inn off of 59, but at over $200 a night, nope not anymore. I don't mind the drive and I don't drink, that shouldn't pose a problem. The motel rates have just gotten out of control in TTown.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[RTR91]

Step 1: Eat at Big Bad Wolves, drink at Egan's until half an hour before kickoff.

Step 2: Go to game.

Step 3: After game, go back to step 1.

Big Bad Wolves over Dreamland. Don't get me wrong, Dreamland is great, but BBW has easier access and the food is great (especially the Bar BQ nachoes). Don't waste your time at the Waysider. I wasn't impressed with it. A good place to park would be on the side of the road on Jack Warner Parkway. You walk aways, but you walk through the Quad and the Ferg on the way to the stadium. Personally, I like the walk from that part of campus since I made it from my dorm to the stadium.