Football in Tuscaloosa is so much more than four quarters on the gridiron inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. The phrase “game day” is used in the most literal sense — it is an all-day event, and while the highlight of that day may be 60 minutes on the field, the other outstanding performance is Alabama tailgating.
Friends from different parts of the world are often perplexed that the all-day experience involves neither a parking lot or pickup truck. The University of Alabama’s Ashley Clayton offers a few tips to make your experience more enjoyable.
- Pack a storage container with the basic necessities for use all season: plates, cups, napkins, flatware, bowls, paper towels, table cloths, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, toothpicks, serving utensils, breath mints, a small note pad, sharpies, scissors, TV remote, duct tape, extension cord and small first aid kit. Tape a checklist to the inside of the lid, and make a note when you need to replenish supplies.
- Don’t miss Quad drop off! UA allows you to pull up and easily unload all your tailgating equipment during the following times: 6 to 8 p.m. on Fridays; 6 to 8:30 a.m. on game days for morning games; and 7 to 10 a.m. on game days for afternoon and evening games.
- Throw in extra tailgate chairs. You’ll be glad you did.
- Call early to reserve a tent set-up package or satellite hook up for your TV — these sell out quickly, often months before the season beings.
- Bring lots of water. Often, so much time is spent ensuring the perfect libation selection that water is inadvertently left out of the cooler. Despite most of the season occurring in what is technically fall, it is hot in Alabama well into November. Save yourself the trouble and discomfort by always keeping a case of water with you.
- Do yourself a favor and pack everything the night before so all you have to do is ice down the cooler and go.
- GAME TICKETS! There’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realize you’ve walked out the door without the most essential item. Put your tickets in a secure location when you are packing the night before so you don’t find yourself in a panic just before kickoff.
- Lastly, but most importantly, you’ll need a whole lot of classic Southern Hospitality. Welcome and say a kind word to all those attending in support of the opposing team. Their presence in Tuscaloosa benefits us all. As Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Clayton is UA’s Alumni Events and Tour Coordinator and plans the official Tailgatin’ with the Tide events.
