Excitement is building as Alabama football returns to Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the 2026 season. The Crimson Tide will open the season against the East Carolina University Pirates on Saturday, Sept. 5, with kickoff set for 11 a.m.
Whether you’re a longtime season ticket holder or attending your first game in Tuscaloosa, there are several updates fans should be aware of before heading to campus this fall.
What’s New for 2026?
This season brings several game day improvements. Updates include wayfinding, guest services and concessions.
New Gate and Section Numbers
To improve navigation around Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama Athletics updated gate and section numbers for the 2026 season.
- Gate numbering now moves from east to west around Bryant-Denny Stadium beginning at the Walk of Champions.
- Students will enter Gate 20 for Lower Level Student Section seating and Gate 21 for the Upper Level Student Section.
- Seating sections now use a standardized numerical system instead of letter designations. The new numbering system places lower-bowl sections in the 100s and upper-level sections in the 800s.
- Some premium seating sections were reordered and cardinal designations were added.
- Skyboxes now include a cardinal designation and a number corresponding to the floor level. For example, N611 designates a skybox on the north side of the stadium on Level 6.
While section and gate numbers have changed, fans can still locate their seats using the same row and seat assignments they have used in previous seasons.
A new interactive gameday map allows fans to enter their section number to quickly identify the correct gate entrance and route to their seats.
Watch this video for more information about gate and section numbering changes.
Customer and Guest Services
For the 2026 season, fans will find Customer Service and Guest Services locations in new areas around the stadium.
- Customer service locations are available at Gates 16 and 43.
- Outside the stadium, Guest Services tents are located near Gates 6, 22, 28 and 40.
- Inside the stadium, Guest Services kiosks are located on Level 1 at Sections 103 and 128, Level 2 at Section 123, and Level 8 at Sections 830 and 860.
Guest Services locations offer phone charging stations, concession maps, promotional items, posters and KultureCity sensory bags.
Guests can report issues or concerns, ask questions or request assistance by calling or texting the Guest Service Center at 205-963-5444.
Staying Cool on Game Day
Early football season in Tuscaloosa can still bring summer-like temperatures. Fans will find water refill stations, sunscreen and cooling stations located throughout Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Fans will find 16 150-gallon tanks of cold, filtered water throughout the stadium. Water stations are located on the Lower Level (1st floor) at Sections 107, 124 and 134 and at Gates 6, 22, 28 and 40. Additional stations are located on the Lower Level (2nd floor) at Sections 104, 110, 123, 133 and 142, and on the Upper Level (8th floor) at Sections 817, 830, 847 and 860.
Fans can bring empty non-glass bottles and cups inside the stadium to fill up at the water stations. Small cups will also be provided next to each water canister.
Complimentary sunscreen is available near the water tanks, as well as on the Student Plaza.
Cooling stations feature first aid personnel, water refill stations, fans, shaded seating and sunscreen. They can be found on the Lower Level (1st floor) in Sections 107, 124 and 134; on the Lower Level (2nd floor) at Sections 104, 110, 123 and 133; and on the Upper Level (8th floor) in Section 857.
Fans needing medical assistance will find First Aid on Level 1 at Section 113 in the northwest corner and on the Level 8 concourse behind Section 857.
Guests needing first-aid assistance should immediately contact an event staff member, stadium employee or public safety official. EMTs are available at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium to respond to medical emergencies.
Fans needing elevator access to upper-level seating may use public elevators located near Gates 10, 19 and 30.
Traffic and Parking Updates
Construction in the Alberta area of Tuscaloosa has University Boulevard down to one lane in both directions. Fans who normally take University Boulevard East to Highway 216 or to I-20/59 should use Veterans Memorial Parkway or McFarland Boulevard to avoid the congestion.
Fans will see new exterior signage around Bryant-Denny Stadium designed to improve postgame navigation.
Due to ongoing construction, the Soccer Lot Grass parking area is no longer available. Fans can use Grass Lot 2, located across from the former Soccer Lot area, or Grass Lot 1, located near the RV lot.
Visit UAGameday.com for additional traffic and parking information.
New Concession Offerings
Fans looking to try something new this season will find several additions at select concession stands throughout the stadium.
New menu items include a Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich topped with Wickles and secret sauce, and a spicy chicken and macaroni and cheese bowl.
Fans can still enjoy traditional stadium favorites throughout the venue.
Champions Lane Concert Series Returns
Vector Security Champions Lane returns in 2026 with free pregame entertainment outside the northwest gates of the stadium.
The area opens four hours before kickoff and features live music, food, beverages and interactive activities. Fans can also meet athletes and watch games from around the country.
View the complete 2026 Champions Lane concert schedule by visiting ChampionsLane.com.
Updated Prohibited Items Policy
Fans bringing cameras to Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium should note that detachable camera lenses and external microphones are now prohibited items.
Visitors are encouraged to review the complete prohibited items list before arriving on campus to help speed entry through security checkpoints.
Drones
The operation of unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, commonly known as drones, is prohibited on The University of Alabama campus during football game days.
In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration establishes a Temporary Flight Restriction around Bryant-Denny Stadium for home football games. Operating a drone within a TFR is a violation of federal law and will result in enforcement action by law enforcement.
Gameday Information
Fans are encouraged to plan ahead, review parking and gate information before arriving on campus and allow extra time to navigate the new stadium numbering system during the first few games of the season.
For the latest information on parking, traffic, maps, tailgating, tickets and game day operations, visit UAGameday.com.
Whether you’re coming for the football, the traditions or the atmosphere of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the 2026 season promises another exciting year of Crimson Tide game days.