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First Alabama Game — Need Insight
Posted on 7/23/23 at 7:27 pm
Posted on 7/23/23 at 7:27 pm
Hi All, I am a long time Alabama fan from Massachusetts. First college football game I ever watched was the 2009 SEC Championship against Florida, and from there, I have been hooked. From Tony Brown walking through the Clemson warm-up to the Reuben Foster hit on Fournette, a lot of my favorite memories as a fan are from watching the Tide. I have been a long time reader of this board, but I am finally coming to Tuscaloosa for my first Alabama game at Bryant-Denny this fall on November 18. As my girlfriend and I begin to plan, I wanted to see if anyone had any recommendations on where to stay, restaurants, any places for my GF to get some local tide merchandise, and any must see events for pre-game. Is there a good time to get there ahead of time? As we’d be flying down, likely we couldn’t tailgate on our own; however, we want to experience as much of the culture and tradition as we can. Is the Walk of Champions 2-hours before kickoff? Where should we go to see that best? Also, I believe this is senior day. Anything specific we can expect pre-game?
Any insight is greatly appreciated, and as always, ROLL TIDE
Any insight is greatly appreciated, and as always, ROLL TIDE
8
Posted on 7/23/23 at 9:28 pm to MassTideFan
Glad you’ll be able to come to Tuscaloosa for the first time. Hope you have a great time. That Nov 18 game is the last home game of the season and unfortunately is an 11 am kickoff. Pregame tailgating will be pretty sparse.
The upside is it will probably be one of the easiest games to navigate. The team will load the bus at 8:45 am at the Hotel Capstone (<-a good spot for breakfast too) and head to the stadium for the Walk of Champions. If you head over to the quad from there the Million Dollar Band will be warming up the crowd and will lead them to the stadium (aka the Elephant Stomp).
The Supe store will be open a few blocks from the stadium as will the Alabama Bookstore and Bama Express on the Strip. Plenty of Bama merch to be had.
Monitor the board as the season progresses and you'll get more ideas and suggestions.
The upside is it will probably be one of the easiest games to navigate. The team will load the bus at 8:45 am at the Hotel Capstone (<-a good spot for breakfast too) and head to the stadium for the Walk of Champions. If you head over to the quad from there the Million Dollar Band will be warming up the crowd and will lead them to the stadium (aka the Elephant Stomp).
The Supe store will be open a few blocks from the stadium as will the Alabama Bookstore and Bama Express on the Strip. Plenty of Bama merch to be had.
Monitor the board as the season progresses and you'll get more ideas and suggestions.
Posted on 7/23/23 at 10:31 pm to MassTideFan
Senior day activities will be announced close to the game but usually like before the game or something Saban will hand out framed jerseys or something to each senior.
I’d also go to the Bryant Museum. Costs $5 to go in there and look around at everything. It’s a must-see. Also, “The Authentic” is a new NIL store at Bryant Denny. Very expensive but fun to look at.
I’d also go to the Bryant Museum. Costs $5 to go in there and look around at everything. It’s a must-see. Also, “The Authentic” is a new NIL store at Bryant Denny. Very expensive but fun to look at.
Posted on 7/24/23 at 10:24 am to MassTideFan
quote:
Tony Brown walking through the Clemson warm-up to the Reuben Foster hit on Fournette
Posted on 7/24/23 at 10:52 am to MassTideFan
Get the grown up grilled cheese at Buffalo Phil's.
Posted on 7/24/23 at 11:33 am to MassTideFan
I think a lot would depend on your age and preferences.
Are you looking for alcohol related suggestions or hitting all of the Bama football highlights while you’re here?
Paul Bryant Museum is a must, and the best food in Tuscaloosa is probably Chuck’s Fish for dinner and Archibalds for lunch. Then you’ve also got Rama Jama’s, City Cafe, and a number of other spots I would highly recommend.
Are you looking for alcohol related suggestions or hitting all of the Bama football highlights while you’re here?
Paul Bryant Museum is a must, and the best food in Tuscaloosa is probably Chuck’s Fish for dinner and Archibalds for lunch. Then you’ve also got Rama Jama’s, City Cafe, and a number of other spots I would highly recommend.
Posted on 7/24/23 at 1:17 pm to razthecat
quote:
Get the grown up grilled cheese at Buffalo Phil's.
Lol. BRO YOU HAVE TO HAVE A GRILLED CHEESE WHEN YOU COME TO TOWN.
Posted on 7/24/23 at 1:24 pm to bamabenny
We are late 20s in age — definitely looking to see as many football highlights as we can while we’re there. We also like good food, too — sounds like we’ll definitely need to get a grilled cheese.
Any recommendations on where to stay? Any specific places to see in the stadium?
Any recommendations on where to stay? Any specific places to see in the stadium?
Posted on 7/24/23 at 5:52 pm to MassTideFan
Don’t waste your time with Buffalo Phil’s if this is your first trip through, that place is garbage.
Dinner:
Depalma’s - Italian
Chuck’s Fish - great sushi, pizzas, fresh fish
Five - owned by same family as Chuck’s, much easier to get a table here. Burgers, fresh catch, good entrees all around
Baumhowers - Wings, Tuscaloosa staple. I’m not a huge fan, but to each their own
Lunch:
Rama Jama’s (breakfast all day too)
City Cafe - meat and 3
Archibald’s - best bbq in town, across the river in a shack
Boozing:
Houndstooth for a beer is a must
Downtown is a great area after a game like this, it’ll be busy but not uber packed.
Heat Pizza for a Thai Chicken pizza after an early game and before hitting the bars is a go-to
Other stuff to do:
Bryant Museum
Walk of Champions
Supe Store or Bama bookstore has plenty of Bammer gear and souvenirs
Someone else will have to speak on lodging, I’ve always either lived here or crashed with a buddy for the 10 or so years between college and moving back.
Dinner:
Depalma’s - Italian
Chuck’s Fish - great sushi, pizzas, fresh fish
Five - owned by same family as Chuck’s, much easier to get a table here. Burgers, fresh catch, good entrees all around
Baumhowers - Wings, Tuscaloosa staple. I’m not a huge fan, but to each their own
Lunch:
Rama Jama’s (breakfast all day too)
City Cafe - meat and 3
Archibald’s - best bbq in town, across the river in a shack
Boozing:
Houndstooth for a beer is a must
Downtown is a great area after a game like this, it’ll be busy but not uber packed.
Heat Pizza for a Thai Chicken pizza after an early game and before hitting the bars is a go-to
Other stuff to do:
Bryant Museum
Walk of Champions
Supe Store or Bama bookstore has plenty of Bammer gear and souvenirs
Someone else will have to speak on lodging, I’ve always either lived here or crashed with a buddy for the 10 or so years between college and moving back.
This post was edited on 7/24/23 at 5:59 pm
Posted on 7/24/23 at 6:28 pm to bamabenny
OP if you have only been a fan since 2009 you need to research whom Baumhowers is named after.
Posted on 7/25/23 at 7:20 pm to MassTideFan
quote:
MassTideFan
We have a tradition of drinking from the Black Warrior river.
Grab a gallon of it before you leave. It's the equivalent of Horny Goat Weed. Your girlfriend will LOVE IT.
Posted on 7/25/23 at 9:06 pm to MassTideFan
If you aren’t tied into that date, consider another game. SEC opponent will be much better atmosphere. And afternoon or night game will be much better tailgating. Will be fun either way but just giving you a heads up.
I’d try to stay downtown if price works. Or any new place in the city should be fine. Are you renting a car? Flying to BHM or ATL?
I’d try to stay downtown if price works. Or any new place in the city should be fine. Are you renting a car? Flying to BHM or ATL?
Posted on 7/25/23 at 9:39 pm to MassTideFan
The good hotels are probably already booked. I’d see if the ones downtown are available so you can walk around to bars and restaurants. I imagine they’re not cheap hotel rooms though.
Posted on 7/27/23 at 4:09 pm to Diego Ricardo
Too bad not a SEC game. But enjoy! Temperature can be anywhere from 45° to 75°.
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