re: UAB will likely beat aggy next week

I think that’s so great.
I genuinely wish the best for UAB in their future.
Even though A&M’s always been a member of a huge conference, we weren’t always a behemoth state university.
I always enjoy seeing underdogs catch lightning in a bottle.

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. I never understood why Bama undercut UAB. I

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I believe it goes back to Bama alums feeling slighted at the medical school rightfully being rebranded for UAB.

When Gene Bartow started the basketball program and gave life to the Athletic Department, and the basketball team became hugely successful in the 80s making the Sweet 16 in year 3 and the Elite 8 in year 4 of the programs existence it flashed UAB's potential. The potential of a strong athletic University in Birmingham threatened Bama since they played most of their home games there at the time. That's when they began to passively hold back UAB.

Gene Bartow, God bless his soul, publicly called out Bear Jr and Wimp Sanderson and began a feud with them. This made things personal with Bear Jr against UAB athletics. That's when they stopped being passive and started actively sabotaging UAB. They kept right at until things came to a headway in 2014 when they tried to murder the football program and the city of Birmingham revolted.



Gene Bartow was a Saint. Bill Clark is his second coming but in the form of a football coach.

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believe it goes back to Bama alums feeling slighted at the medical school rightfully being rebranded for UAB. When Gene Bartow started the basketball program and gave life to the Athletic Department, and the basketball team became hugely successful in the 80s making the Sweet 16 in year 3 and the Elite 8 in year 4 of the programs existence it flashed UAB's potential. The potential of a strong athletic University in Birmingham threatened Bama since they played most of their home games there at the time. That's when they began to passively hold back. Gene Bartow, God bless his soul, publicly called out Bear Jr and Wimp Sanderson and began a feud with them. This made things personal with Bear Jr against UAB athletics. That's when they stopped being passive and started actively sabotaging UAB. They kept right at until things came to a headway in 2014 when they tried to murder the football program and the city of Birmingham revolted. Gene Bartow was a Saint. Bill Clark is his second coming but in the form of a football coach.

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All of that actually makes a lot of sense. I don't see any conspiracy theories in what you said either. Honestly, it made sense for Bama to see UAB as a threat at that time. Especially, since UAB basketball was so successful. Times have changed and the BOT have granted UAB approval on a lot of their new projects. We have new buildings going up like crazy, enrollment is the highest its ever been, been named the top "young university" in America, etc. Things are going extremely well at UAB and even though I'm a Bama alum and fully support UA, I'm also I UAB alum and a resident of Birmingham. If its good for UAB that means it's good for Birmingham. I don't understand how so many of my Bama friends who live in B'ham have such animosity towards UAB when its so good for the city for them to be doing so well. It does my heart good to see UAB beginning to reach its potential. Although, I feel like we've only scratched the surface even though it's loving referred to as, "The University that ate Birmingham." All I can say is,that with the Alabama BOT out of the way, look out for UAB.

And I'm with you. I freakin love Bill Clark. He is the second coming of Gene Bartow.

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I’m going to the Midnight Yell on Friday night and the Bonfire Memorial. I’ve also heard I need to go by the Dixie Chicken and hit the bars on Northgate. Anything I missed? What’s a good bar to catch after the game? I’m 42 years old btw. Thanks!

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FYI, I’m 45 years old, so we’re of the same ilk .

This may be unpopular amongst my maroon brothers and sisters, but I don’t think Midnight Yell is something that any opposing fan would enjoy, It’s a good time for young underclassmen at A&M; but the traditions are so specific and esoteric, I just can’t see how any visitor would enjoy it (think of a non-denominational Christian parishioner attending a highly liturgical Muslim service).

The Dixie Chicken is a must, but it’s going to be packed. Just elbow your way into the bar, and let folks know you’re a UAB fan—they’ll fight over who’ll buy you your first three pitchers; you’ll be treated like royalty (Ags do all we can to make visitors feel at home).

The Bonfire Memorial is beautiful, and it means a great deal to those of us who experienced the collapse. I won’t tell you not to go, but be prepared for the fact that it’s a highly solemn, silent place. Think Arlington National Cemetery (I’m not comparing the significance of the two, just the environments—it’s a very powerful place for Ags). I guess what I’m saying is, it’s intensely meaningful, but it’s not a place at which I’d ever hang out loosely while drunk. You have to be prepared for what it is—a shrine to some beautiful Ags we lost in a horrific tragedy. I have a very tough time visiting the Memorial myself, and I’m not sure game weekends are a time I’d ever go. But that’s totally your call.

Head over to the Northgate Bar District just north of campus after the game for multiple places to take in the rest of the day’s games. As somewhat of an “old” myself, three additional favorite places of mine to kick back that are not on Northgate are the 1791 Whiskey Bar at The George Hotel; Elixir and Spirits at the LaSalle Hotel in Bryan; and/or the bar at The Republic Steakhouse.

Regardless of where you find yourself, reach out to any Aggie for help, recommendations, etc. They’ll be honored and obliged to help you with whatever you need. We’re so glad to welcome you.

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Regardless of where you find yourself, reach out to any Aggie for help, recommendations, etc. They’ll be honored and obliged to help you with whatever you need. We’re so glad to welcome you.

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Wow! Thanks for the information!!

I think I'll probably still attend Midnight Yell just because it's such a iconic college football tradition. I will go in with lowered expectations since I'm a visiting fan and will not know any of the cheers, etc. I think the example you used was perfect.

Since the kick is at 6pm, I'll definitely be spending pre-game at the Dixie Chicken and our Alumni tent. I'll be in UAB gear so the Ags there will definitely be able tell that I'm a visitor. I'm so glad to hear that A&M fans will be so welcoming to me. Can't wait to share some beers with some Aggies!!

I know The Bonfire Memorial will be extremely depressing but I'd like to go and pay my respects. I remember when it happened as I was attending UA at that time and my heart went out to those kids' friends and families. Still being in college at the time, I couldn't imagine losing any of my classmates. I'll be visiting on the Sunday following the game which I believe is the anniversary of the tragedy. Should be a pretty powerful and sobering experience.

I might hit a few bars in Nothgate after the game but I'll more than likely head over to the places that you recommended since I'm not exactly college aged anymore.

Thanks again for all of your help and I'm looking forward to visiting Kyle Field, College Station, and Texas A&M's campus. Hope we at least make it competitive. Can't wait to meet some great Ags!

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Ha! You’ll likely end up visiting this website postgame, ridiculing us and saying what most SEC fans have said this year; “Those fans are so nice, they’re creepy/awkward/uncomfortable.” That’s just our way. But trust me when I tell you that it’s 100% genuine ; we’re glad to host you. No need to thank me for the advice—other Ags will undoubtedly disagree with my suggestions. Hey, its not about the score, it’s about meeting new friends and visiting new places. I can swear to you that whether y’all win or lose, you’ll be treated the same—with hospitality and a smile. Come back any time. we’ll leave the light on

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Nah, I highly doubt it. I've met some Aggies in Tuscaloosa @ the Bama games and ya'll are good people. I was in Gainesville last year for the UAB/Florida game and those were some weirdos. Easliy, the worst fan base I've encountered. Ssshh....don't let any LSU fans know that.

And you are absolutely right. It's not about the score but more about having fun and meeting great people.

Have a great visit

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Have a great visit

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Thanks Sarge!

They beat LSU one time!