Football season has officially started! We here in Alabama love our college football, and we want to help moms and families have an amazing game day experience in Tuscaloosa this fall. We attended an Alabama game recently and got all of the ins and outs of what to do, see, and experience. So here is our Game Day Guide for Alabama Football!
About UA GameDay
UA GameDay is a fan’s best friend when planning your visit to Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium at the University of Alabama. UA GameDay features all of the game day operations and logistics, including traffic updates, tickets, parking, stadium maps, and more. Be sure to follow UA Gameday on Instagram and Facebook, and visit the UA GameDay website to make your visit easier. Download the UA Gameday app in the App Store and Google Play for the full schedule of events!
Parking
There are lots of parking options when heading to Tuscaloosa for a football game, including paid and free options, on and off-campus parking, and parking with a shuttle option. Parking lots open at 7 a.m. on game day.
On Campus Parking (Recommended)
Off Campus Parking
The Tuscaloosa Intermodal Facility parking deck is a free parking option in downtown Tuscaloosa. It is less than a 1-mile walk from the Tuscaloosa Intermodal Facility to Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
More parking options include: DCH Employee Parking Lot ($20), Tuscaloosa Magnet School ($20), Central High School ($20), Parkview Center ($20), and The Arc of Tuscaloosa ($10).
Timeline of Gameday for Alabama Football
You will want to plan for some fun before the game and head down early to enjoy all of the fun festivities the University of Alabama has to offer on game day. Here is the game day schedule for Alabama football:
* 7 am… parking lots open and shuttle service begins
* 2 hours and 30 minutes before game time… Walk of Champions, watch the players and coaches enter Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium
* 2 hours before game time… Stadium gates open
* 1 hour and 30 minutes before game time… Elephant Stomp, pep rally at Gorgas Library
Kid To-Do’s
Here are a few activities we recommend for all kids (of all ages!) before the game time: Walk of Champions, Elephant Stomp, Champions Lane with the Coca-Cola Kick-Off Zone, and the Bryant Museum.
The Walk of Champions takes place outside of the North Endzone at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium 2.5 hours prior to kickoff. Watch the Alabama Crimson Tide players and coaches get off the buses and walk into the stadium. Take photos and videos and cheer when you see your favorite players!
The Elephant Stomp takes place at Gorgas Library 1.5 hours prior to kickoff. Enjoy a pep rally with the band, cheerleaders, and Big Al as they lead cheers, chants, and play your favorite band songs.
Before making your way into Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, soak up the pregame atmosphere along Champions Lane. You’ll find live music, football on the big screens, player autograph sessions, and plenty of food and drinks to keep you fueled. Head to the Coca-Cola Kick-Off Zone, where kids can participate in interactive games and challenges. Both areas open four hours before kickoff.
The Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant museum is located about half a mile southeast of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium on the University of Alabama campus and takes you on a journey through decades of unforgettable moments, with championship trophies, memorabilia, photographs, artifacts, and stories from the players and coaches who helped shape Alabama football.
Tailgating
Free Quad tailgating is located on the west side of the Quad, reservations are not required. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Set-up can begin Friday mornings. To reserve your space, simply set up your tailgate equipment in your desired area on the west side of the Quad.
Contact Gameday Done Right, the University of Alabama’s official tailgate services partner, to reserve a season or single game tailgate for your group. Click here for more info.
Bag Policy at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium
The Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium bag policy is as follows…
Approved bags:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
- All clear bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are permissible (backpacks, drawstring bags, fanny packs, etc.).
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bags or similar).
- Small “clutch” purses, no larger than 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium in addition to the approved clear plastic bags.
- Spectators also will be able to carry other items allowed in such as binoculars and cameras, but their cases will not be allowed.
- Exceptions will only be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection by security personnel. Please ask for assistance at the gate.
Non-Approved bags:
- Purses that are larger than 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″
- Diaper bags (only permissible if they are clear and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″)
- Cases (camera, binocular, etc.)
- Backpacks
- Duffle bags
- Large totes
Click here for a more detailed list of prohibited items.
*Be sure to bring an empty water bottle to fill at the water stations inside the stadium
Nursing Rooms
Private Nursing Stations are located near the following public seating areas:
Lower Level (1st Floor): Inside the First Aid Room, Section 113
Upper Level (8th Floor): Section 827
Food
There are several food options and restaurants around the stadium if you’re looking for a meal or snack before the game. A few of our favorites include Rama Jama’s across from the stadium, Buffalo Phil’s on the strip, and The Standard.
If you want to eat at some of the most well-known, iconic restaurants in Tuscaloosa before arriving at your final parking spot before the game, try Dreamland BBQ (Tuscaloosa and Northport), Archibald’s BBQ, Taco Casa (Skyland, 15th Street, Rice Mine Rd, and Northport) The Waysider (breakfast only on the weekend), and City Cafe.
Tickets
Information about season tickets for the 2026 football season can be found here. For information about buying individual game tickets, click here.
Alabama Football Schedule
Sept 5: vs. East Carolina (HOME)
Sept 12: at Kentucky
Sept 19: vs. Florida State (HOME)
Oct 3: at Mississippi State
Oct 10: vs. Georgia (HOME)
Oct 17: at Tennessee
Oct 24: vs. Texas A&M (HOME)
Nov 7: at LSU
Nov 15: at Venderbilt
Nov 21: vs. Chattanooga (HOME)
Nov 28: vs. Auburn (HOME)
More Gameday Information
Want to stay up-to-date on all things Alabama Football? Be sure to follow UA Gameday on Instagram and Facebook, and visit the UA Gameday website.
Have you been to an Alabama football game at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium? Let us know your favorite parts of the University of Alabama Gameday experience in the comments below!
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