Seven-ton elephant statue coming to Bryant-Denny Stadium

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It’s 21 years old, has four legs, two tusks, a trunk and could soon reside outside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The wait for a live elephant mascot will continue so a bronze version will have to suffice.

The relocation of a seven-ton, 19’ statue named Tuska from a local club to the land outside Alabama’s football stadium is on the agenda for the UA System trustees when they meet Friday after Thursday’s committee meetings.

A brief item in the schedule mentions a proposal for “architectural design for the Tuska’s Corner at Bryant-Denny Stadium.” The formal resolution lists a price tag of $415,000 for the project that includes moving the statue from its current home, North River Yacht Club.

It would go on the northwest side of the stadium in the vicinity of the corner of University Boulevard and Wallace Wade Avenue. UA will construct a 6’-4”precast pedestal for Tuska with a paver apron surrounding it.

The statue depicts the elephant looking skyward with his two front feet slightly off the ground and trunk fully extended.

The statue was donated by the Westervelt Company, the current name of the paper company previously led by Tuscaloosa businessman and art collector Jack Warner. He died in 2017 at 99.

The resolution states the project will be paid from the Crimson Standard fundraising initiative and thanks former athletics director Bill Battle and wife Mary for their ongoing support.

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