Question about coming to T-town... from a Tiger

[Tide n True]

Concerning tickets:

My parents came to T-town for the 2002 Auburn game. I was in the MDB, and it was Kathryn Scott's last show. I told them it was going to be one heck of an event (and it was), and that they should be there to see it if they could. Dad went to the ATM and brought several hundred dollars in cash because he wanted to see the game and the halftime show. They used to be Tide Pride members but got out when my sister and I started going to UA.

Anyway, Dad was looking for tickets and people were selling them for $300+ per seat. He came prepared to pay it because he really wanted to get in. He checked around trying to find a somewhat more reasonable price, but he really didn't find any for much less than that. As he and mom were standing near the stadium trying to figure out what to do, a guy in a golf cart pulled up and asked if they were looking for tickets. Dad said they were, so the guy handed him two in order to let him look them over.

As Dad reached for his wallet, and I'm not lying, the guy in the golf cart drove off and yelled, "Have fun at the game!" This was a good 30 minutes before kickoff. Dad couldn't believe it, and I still can't...Dad actually thought the tickets might be counterfeit, but they were legit and they got pretty good seats on the 40 yd line in the West upper deck.

Now, your mileage will definitely vary. I don't know who this guy was, but it definitely made my parents' day. They were willing to drop some coin to get in, but they didn't have to spend a dime! The best bet for your money would be to wear Bama gear and hope to run into the same guy!

 

[TideFan in AU]

Welcome to the board! I hope you decide to hang around after the game (regardless of the outcome). Level-headed fans of rival teams are always welcome here and it's nice to look at issues from other points of view. You will have a great time at BD. It is a magical place!

 

[BrandonOfMetry]

You can drive from NOLA to Tuscaloosa in 4 hours - now I guess coming from Kenner (at the airport, I mean) & on into Tuscaloosa may add some time, depending on time of day with the traffic, etc, but we always do it in 4, easy.

4 or less, really, from Metairie at least. I've done it in 3 1/2, but watch out for the Mississippi Troopers. They're very clever.

Also, you'll be driving through some of the most boring country in the world roadwise, so get ready to count pine trees.

 

[BamaLaw]

I was focusing more on the football/tailgating part of your post than the other part and the "5+ hour drive got right by me. I don't think it's ever taken me more than 4 from Canal Street to T-town. I've made it in just over 3--but that's not advisable. As some have already mentioned, The Mississippi Highway Patrol likes to hide in those pine trees in the medians. I've never been stopped in Mississippi (* * *) (knocks on wood); however, I've been travelling in a convoy where the lead car got nabbed. Needless to say, the rest of us didn't stop. We proceeded to the next exit and waited for the scofflaws to catch up.

 

[SavannahDare]

ellesshoo, I think you'll thoroughly enjoy your time in Tuscaloosa! You'll find Bama fans to be some of the most hospitable around and the atmosphere on campus, especially on The Quad, to be something to behold. I would imagine you would be able to buy a ticket on gameday (or earlier if you look on ebay). The ticket price obviously goes down the closer it gets to kickoff, but we've got some nice pregame videos and on-field entertainment that you're not going to want to miss if you are looking for the complete Capstone gameday experience.

For hotels, you won't find one in Tuscaloosa unless you devote a LOT of time to calling every motel every day between now and then, praying for a cancellation. You can go all the way to Birmingham (Bessemer has a nice Hampton Inn) if you prefer, but why not stay in Meridian, MS? It's about a 75 minute drive to Tuscaloosa and will save you the ridiculous B'ham-T-town traffic on gameday morning.

In the event you decide to get to campus early Saturday morning, you can easily park in the grassy lot next to the soccer field for $10. That gives you a 10-15 minute walk down University to the Quad or you can hitch a free ride on the Crimson Ride shuttle (it picks up right there at the soccer lot). If you have time, you should check out The Bryant Museum. If you're really early into town, stop by The Waysider for a good Southern style breakfast surrounded by Bama memorabilia (they make wonderful bisquits there!).

On The Quad you'll find lots of stuff to entertain you before the game. Don't forget to saunter around Denny Chimes and see the hand & footprints of past Bama greats (captains from teams dating WAYYYYY back). Listen to the Million Dollar Band warm up and entertain the crowd. Make your way over to The Walk of Champions in the north yard of Bryant Denny Stadium; cool history lessons in the pavement!

They usually open the gates around 90 minutes before kickoff if you're one of those who like to get inside early.

I hope you have a wonderful time on our beautiful campus and go home disappointed in your football team.:tongue:

 

[ellesshoo]

looks like I have all the info I need. Just gotta choose which route to go. It'll be a fun weekend... but like I said earlier, my heart is thankful to have a week off. I'm just going to relax and watch other teams live and die by inches and seconds.

 

[RT3413]

My last little bit -

- if you can avoid the Tusc-Bham traffic and stay West, do it
- wait until game time and you'll pay face + 25% at the most (true for any game at any SEC stadium from what I've experienced)
- DEFINITELY hit the Quad to check out the tailgate and while you're at it every college fan should see the Bryant Museum.
- if you do decide to stay in Birmingham, use Priceline to name your price for a hotel. Stick with the 3 stars and you'll be fine (Sheraton by the civic center usually for around $70-80).

 

[UA All the Way]

Wearing LSU colors may be a bit of an issue when buying a tix. I'd suggest finding someone desperate (right before kickoff) who only sees green. I've bought tixs from people before and never paid over face.

 

[ukrednek]

try the embassy suites in B'ham. Good location for getting out to Tuscaloosa and a fairly nice hotel. Has a descent bar and a Ruth's Chris steakhouse on site too. RTR.