Atmosphere
Tailgating at the University of Alabama has become an integral and crucial part of the game day and the culture of Crimson Tide fans. The Bama fan base is insanely loyal to their team, so much so that there is a five-year waiting list for season tickets. This extreme loyalty means Bama fans celebrate and party all around the stadium on game day, so you’ll have no problem finding a fun tailgate party to join.
Alabama fans are also some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated football fans in the country, which means you’ll have a great time talking football with fellow fans while tailgating. You’ll have a blast hanging out and partying with fellow Bama fans here in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama has a ton to offer regarding tailgating locations. The tailgating scene at Alabama offers you anything from bars along The Strip to the rowdy Quad, and of course family friendly tailgating as well. You’ll find a great time no matter what you’re looking for whether it’s slamming brews at The Houndstooth on The Strip or enjoying the lush lawns and tailgate tents of the Quad.
Traditions
The Walk of Champions
The football team is bussed in from Hotel Capstone (where they stay on game day) and then make the walk from University Boulevard to their locker room among a sea of rowdy and enthusiastic Bama fans.
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Anonymous Football Players Statue
Right outside the north end zone entrance and the end of the Walk of Champions is a bronze statue depicting two anonymous football players with the numbers 18 and 92 on their jerseys, representing the year the Crimson Tide began playing.
Paul Bryant Museum
The Paul Bryant Museum is located a few blocks east of the stadium and is a must-see for any college football fan. The museum is home to a ton of memorabilia and exhibits honoring the many successful coaches and players that have been a part of the Crimson Tide history.
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The Strip
The Strip is located close to the stadium and is loaded with restaurants, bars, and shops to visit . Stop by The Strip and grab a bite to eat or something to drink before taking in a Crimson Tide football game.
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Elephant Stomp
One of the great Alabama pregame traditions is the Elephant Stomp, a pregame show outside Bryant-Denny Stadium performed by the Alabama marching band, the Million Dollar Band. One hour before kick-off, each band section will warm up and meet on the steps of the Gorgas Library and the band and cheerleaders will lead Bama fans in a short pep rally and march to the stadium. If you want to get in the Bama spirit then head on down to the Elephant Stomp to see some great pre-game entertainment.
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Coca-Cola Kick-Off Zone
Four hours before kickoff, the Coca-Cola Kick-off Zone is the official tailgate of the University of Alabama. The Kick-off Zone is home to activities for the kids as well as a large flat screen TV. You can even get autographs from your favorite current Alabama student athletes, so make sure to check out the Kick-off Zone when attending a Crimson Tide game.
Where to tailgate
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The QuadLocated on the northwest corner of University Boulevard and Colonial Drive, the Quad is the beating heart of Alabama tailgating. Hundreds of fans will make their way over to the quad and set up tents, TVs, and all other essentials for tailgating. The Quad covers a 20-acre piece of land which does not allow vehicles or trailers, making more room for fans to mingle or toss around a football before kick-off. While there, be sure to check out the Walk of Fame of hand and foot impressions of each Alabama team captain since 1947
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Rama-Jama'sThis breakfast/burger joint is right outside the stadium and is a game day staple. It is owned by a local resident, Gary Lewis, boasts some of the best burgers in the state.
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GallettesRight down the road from Bryant-Denny Stadium is this fan favorite spot on The Strip. Many fans will pregame at this bar before heading to the quad or the stadium itself. Be sure to get the Yellowhammer as it is their signature cocktail
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Coca-Cola Kick Off ZoneFour hours before kickoff, the Coca-Cola Kick-off Zone is the official tailgate of the University of Alabama. There are activities for the kids as well as a large flat screen TV. There is also an Alabama autograph tent in this area where current athletic Bama teams will meet their fans and sign autographs
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The HoundstoothThis bar gets packed on game day but is one of the best options to pregame/tailgate before kickoff. The Houndstooth comes equipped with thirty-six HD TVs and a large projection screen showing the Bama game, as well as a ton of rowdy Crimson Tide fans ready to celebrate game day
