An undefeated Alabama football team will welcome their first SEC opponent of the 2024 season in Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs. And that’s only the half of it this weekend in Tuscaloosa.
With a top 5 college football matchup, ESPN’s “College GameDay” and former President Donald Trump coming to town on Saturday, there’s a whole lot you need to know before you travel to campus, due to “heightened security.”
Below, we have everything on city and campus security, parking, traffic, weather, tickets and more so you know how to navigate it all and enjoy what will mark another historic game in T-Town.
READ: Alabama football bucket list: 25 things every Crimson Tide fan should do once
WILL CALL: 2:30 p.m.
CAMPUS ROAD CLOSURES: 2:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONS LANE: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
ELEPHANT STOMP: 3:55 p.m.
GATES OPEN: 4 p.m. (Student gates, 4:30 p.m.)
WALK OF CHAMPIONS: 4:25 p.m.
PREGAME FLYOVER/KICKOFF: 6:30 p.m.
TV: ABC
TICKETS: Sold out
ESPN COLLEGE GAMEDAY
“GameDay” will broadcast from Denny Chimes (8-11 a.m. central on ESPN and ESPNU). You can bet the crowd will deliver the energy (and hilarious signs) with the show returning for the first time since the Texas game in 2023. Alabama ranks second only to Ohio State as the school that has hosted the famed ESPN pregame show the most times, now with 55 total appearances (as one of the two participating programs featured) and 17 of them in Tuscaloosa.
The stage will be set up on the lawn by Denny Chimes. The show airs from 8-11 a.m. with live “SportsCenter” hits beginning at 6 a.m. Admission is free to fans of all ages.
Host Rece Davis returns along with analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee. Pete Thamel, reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims, and “Stanford Steve” Coughlin will also join the broadcast.
Nick Saban, who joined the show as an analyst after his retirement from coaching, has also become a featured part of the broadcast. Saturday will mark his first time with “College GameDay” in Tuscaloosa.
READ: Who should be ‘College GameDay’ picker for Alabama-Georgia? 11 celebrities ESPN should consider
WEATHER
Friday: Cloudy skies with a high near 76 and a 50 percent chance of rain, followed by cloudy skies with an overnight low around 64 and a 20 percent chance of rain.
Saturday: Cloudy skies with a high near 77, followed by cloudy skies and an overnight low around 63.
Sunday: Sunny skies with a high near 82, followed by cloudy skies and an overnight low around 63.
— The National Weather Service
TRUMP
Former President Donald Trump will attend the Alabama-Georgia game, his campaign announced.
Trump is the guest of petroleum executive Ric Mayers from Vernon. Alabama Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville will join Trump at the game.
Then-President Trump previously attended the LSU game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2019, when the Tide fell to the Tigers 46-41. The visit will mark his third to an Alabama game, having made the trip to Atlanta for the national championship in 2018.
The high-profile visits heightened security around those stadiums, and it will again on Saturday. Read below for what to expect with security, stadium policies and more.
RELATED: Donald Trump is coming to the Alabama-Georgia game. Here’s his unusual food request
STADIUM ENTRY | ‘ARRIVE EARLY’
When should you arrive to enter Bryant-Denny Stadium? Early.
The top 5 matchup between SEC powers and presence of ESPN’s “College GameDay” already make this a high-stakes and high-stress atmosphere, but the former president’s plans to attend create more logistical elements to navigate.
AL.com’s Nick Kelly reports the stadium gates will open earlier usual at 4 p.m. CT, which is 2.5 hours before kickoff. Usually the gates to the stadium open to fans two hours before kickoff.
UA said the stadium entry and screening process “will differ in some ways due to the heightened security.” Fans are encouraged to arrive to the stadium by 5 p.m.
The UA Division of Student Life has informed students there will be “additional security measures” in place for gameday and to “expect delays & longer wait times.”
Videoboards inside the stadium will show other games being played during that time if you arrive and are seated early. UA also notes that, depending on the arrival of high-profile guests (Trump), there may be times when access to an area is closed and/or avenues are blocked temporarily.
Fans must enter the security perimeter at their designated checkpoint, in accordance with their gate number. Read the stadium entry map for Saturday’s Georgia game.
Designated Security Entrances:
- Gates 2 – 24: Northwest Security Checkpoint
- Gates 27 – 45: South Security Checkpoint
- Gates 49 – 63: Northeast Security Checkpoint
- Gates 39 – 40: Student Security Checkpoint
UA said fans should also be prepared to remove all items from pockets and any pinned-on buttons or larger jewelry, “similar to when passing through airport security,” before entering. UA recommends that any non-essentials be left at home or in vehicles. Shoes and belts can remain on during screening. If one sets off the walkthrough metal detector, a wand will be used to the side.
Ticketholders are permitted to bring in empty cups as the prohibited items list remains the same for Saturday’s game.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Alabama also enforces a clear bag policy in the interest of public safety and to expedite entry into Bryant-Denny Stadium. The only non-clear plastic bag fans can bring into Bryant-Denny is a small clutch purse no larger than 4 1/2 inches-by-6 1/2 inches. If any larger, the bags must be clear and plastic. Fans can also bring in one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, similar to Ziploc bags you buy at the grocery store. Learn more about the clear bag policy.
CITY SECURITY
“Our first responsibility, as with any gameday weekend, is public safety,” a city of Tuscaloosa spokesperson said. “This weekend, the safety of former President Trump heightens that responsibility.”
The city has been a part of multiple planning meetings with the U.S. Secret Service, UAPD, and other law enforcement agencies, the spokesperson said. “We are all working together to prepare the highest level of safety and security to ensure that former President Trump has a great visit to Tuscaloosa and gets home safely.”
“From Tuscaloosa Police Department and Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue to environmental service crews, revenue officers, inspections and more,” the statement said. “Our focus is to ensure that everyone has a great gameday experience, and we’re working hard to prepare what it takes to have 100,000 visitors to our City this weekend.”
The city also encouraged fans to “plan ahead and budget extra time for traffic and security.”
“For those attending the game, UA Safety may implement additional security measures this weekend on top of the standard walk-through metal detectors and the clear bag policy. Ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early to expedite the security screening process.”
PROTESTS
Be mindful: Some University of Alabama students will host a tailgate protest Saturday on the Quad ahead of Trump’s appearance at the game, reports AL.com’s Williesha Morris. UA College Democrats President Braden Vick said the protest would allow students and local residents to express “distaste” for the former president, “his dangerous rhetoric and promises, and his decision to try to turn this pivotal matchup into a glorified campaign rally.”
The College Democrats will offer food, drinks, and merchandise Saturday for tailgaters “who oppose Donald Trump’s presence on campus.” The group also is chalking the ground on campus and posting anti-Trump flyers this week.
RELATED: Alabama fans split on Trump coming for Georgia game: ‘Distraction’, ‘honor,’ ‘could not care less’
CHAMPIONS LANE
An extension of Crimson Tide Sports Marketing’s pregame entertainment, “Champions Lane” is a free feature located to the northwest of Bryant-Denny Stadium on the lawn behind the Tuska statue and will include food trucks, a sound stage with live music, lounge with casual seating, LED videoboards for fans to watch other college football games in action, Crimson Tide student-athlete autograph tent and more.
Alabama legends will appear: Trent Richardson at the T-Mobile tent (12:30 p.m.), AJ McCarron at Kingsford (2:30 p.m.), and Landon Collins at the Nissan Heisman House (4:30 p.m.)
Country music star Lauren Alaina will perform at Champions Lane at 4 p.m. David Lewis will perform at 1:10 p.m.
PREGAME RECOGNITION
Arrive early to see a pregame recognition of the 1964 national championship team.
HONORARY CAPTAIN AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS
For home games, honorary captains will sign autographs at the Bryant Museum starting five hours before kickoff. This week’s honorary captains Jackie Sherrill and Gaylon McCollough will sign autographs at Paul W. Bryant Museum on Saturday at 12:30-1:30 p.m.
CASH-FREE
All points of sale at Alabama athletics events for concessions and retail went cashless. Fans with cash can exchange for a Fancard in $20 increments in the stadium’s Fan Card Gift Card station.
Each location will have a team member to assist guests who require this service. UA said Fancards are a preloaded Mastercard with no activation fees. These can not only be used at stadium concessions but also anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
CONCESSIONS
Concession stands are located throughout the concourses of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Reminder: All concession transactions are cashless.
Alabama announced that five of Bryant-Denny’s highest-volume concession stands were converted to grab and go markets where fans can grab items and proceed to check out faster. Automated self-checkout kiosks will be available at several concession stands throughout the stadium, allowing fans the ability to choose the method they prefer. The site also says multiple beverage and popcorn vending options have also been added “for ease and quickness.”
TAILGATING
Free Quad tailgating is located on the west side of the Quad. Reservations are not required. Quad tailgate supply drop-off is located on Colonial Dr. and is open during the following times: Friday at 6-8 p.m. and Saturday at 7 a.m. until noon. View the Quad drop-off map. The UA Gameday Info tent is located at the corner of 9th Avenue and University Boulevard. Fans are permitted 15 minutes to unload equipment and exit Colonial Dr.
Quad tailgate supply drop-off is located on Colonial Dr. and is open during the following times:
- Friday 6-8 p.m.
- Gameday 7-10 a.m.
MOBILE TICKETING
Ticketing and parking are mobile-only, providing a safe fan experience with quick and convenient entry on gameday during the pandemic. UA said mobile ticketing reduces the risk of lost, stolen or counterfeit tickets while providing the ability to easily manage, transfer or sell your tickets anytime from your smartphone, so the system will remain in effect.
You can manage their tickets on their smartphone via the Alabama Crimson Tide mobile app or online at RollTide.com/MyAccount. UA encourages fans to download their tickets before gameday. Prior to reaching the Bryant-Denny gates, fans can open their digital wallet on their smartphone, select their game tickets or parking passes, and hold their smartphone near the scanner for entry.
Alabama added an enhancement to mobile ticketing called ALL-IN-1, a smart ticket that simplifies the digital wallet experience. They provide these instructions:
- All season tickets, season meal passes, and season parking passes are eligible for ALL-IN-1.
- Add each ALL-IN-1 ticket once per seat to your digital wallet.
- After the game, ALL-IN-1 pass automatically updates to the next event in the season.
- The ALL-IN-1 pass will update if tickets are transferred, and you can still transfer and manage eligible tickets from My Account.
Visit the Alabama mobile ticketing page to learn more.
TICKET TRANSFER/DONATION
Ticketholders may transfer their tickets to another customer by logging into their account and selecting the specific events to transfer under the My Account page. Ticket transfers are now free. You may transfer your tickets up until kickoff.
You can also electronically donate your season tickets back to Alabama Athletics. The tickets will then be donated to those fans who don’t normally receive an opportunity to attend an Alabama athletics event. Ticket donation is free. You may donate your tickets up until 48 hours prior to any event.
COOLING STATIONS
It’s September, but it’s still hot. UA wants to help you stay cool on gamedays. Cooling stations will include water monsters, fans, shaded seating, sunscreen and first aid staff are located at the locations featured on this map.
Water Monsters featuring 150-gallon tanks of cold filtered water are located throughout Bryant-Denny Stadium to assist fans in staying cool and hydrated. Fans are permitted to bring empty, non-glass, bottles/cups inside to fill up at the various water stations. Small cups will also be provided next to the canister.
TRAFFIC
UA has provided four clearly defined routes designed to provide fans with the most time-efficient ways to and from campus. Read their pregame and postgame traffic maps.
The Cottondale and 216 routes are best for fans traveling from Birmingham and parking on the east side of campus.
The I-359 route is best for fans traveling from Birmingham or west of Tuscaloosa and parking downtown or on the west side of campus.
The McFarland route is best for fans traveling from Birmingham and parking on the east side of campus.
There are now three lanes through exit 73, McFarland Blvd.
There are now three lanes through downtown for fans utilizing the I-359/Downtown Tuscaloosa route.
- Core campus roadblocks are established 4 hours prior to kickoff.
- Core campus roadblocks will be enforced at 10 a.m., or earlier if deemed necessary
- Campus roadblocks do not affect public parking areas.
- Fans are encouraged to use the McFarland Route to campus.
- Rideshare pickup/drop-off is available at two locations on campus.
- The core of campus will be re-opened approximately 2.5 hours postgame.
- After the game is over, certain streets will become one-way streets until pedestrian and vehicle traffic clears.
PARKING
UA parking lots open at 7 a.m. Crimson Ride shuttles are free from the east campus parking areas. Begins at 7 a.m., concludes 90 minutes post-game. For more parking information, visit the UA Gameday website. Note: No individual passes are available for the Georgia game. But passes remain available for the remainder of Alabama’s 2024 home schedule.
- Public parking is $35 per game.
- Accessible parking spaces are available in public parking lots.
- Lots open at 7 a.m. on gameday.
- Free shuttle service from public parking is provided to & from the Quad. All shuttles are accessible.
- Crimson Ride Shuttle service begins at 7 a.m. on Gameday and concludes 90 minutes postgame.
You can find free public parking in the downtown Tuscaloosa area. You’ll also find various paid lots in downtown and in residential areas around campus. Prices vary.
The Crimson Tide Shuttle is free for all fans on gameday, servicing east campus public parking areas (East Campus RV lots, Lot A and parking lots located along Peter Bryce Blvd). It begins at 7 a.m. and concludes 1.5 hours postgame.
The Downtown Tuscaloosa Shuttle runs from the Downtown Intermodal Facility (601 23rd Ave.) to Calvary Baptist Church. It begins three hours prior to kickoff and concludes one hour postgame. Cost (cash only): $1 (adults), 50 cents (ages 60 and over, people with disabilities), free (children ages 3 and under).
The University Mall Shuttle runs from University Mall to the corner of 12th St and 10th Ave. It begins three hours prior to kickoff and concludes one hour postgame. Cost: $20 (cash only) roundtrip per person).
PREGAME FLYOVER
Saturday’s pregame flyover — 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAs Cherry Point, N.C. — will take place as the national anthem closes.
READ: Stadium flyovers: How they work at Alabama football games
X/TWITTER
Stay up to date before, during and after the game by following AL.com’s Nick Kelly, Matt Stahl, Michael Casagrande, aldotcomTide on X/Twitter.
You can also follow UAGameday on Twitter for constant updates about this weekend’s festivities.
WILL CALL
- Northwest Will Call (near Gate 4): H.S. Coaches Will-Call
- East Will-Call: (near Gate 44); Public Will Call
- Gate 47: Non-Football Recruits
- Gate 48: Alabama Football Player Pass
- Northeast Will-Call (Gate 59): Visiting Team Player Pass & Media Will Call
‘BEAT EVERYONE’ PODCAST
Have you listened to AL.com’s new Alabama football podcast?
Beat Everyone is focused on the people, stories and discussions that matter most to Bama. Each Tuesday, host Ben Flanagan will be joined by former players, experts and beat writers to discuss the past, present and future of Alabama Football. Beat Everyone is also the new home of Alabama radio legend Eli Gold. Join us every Thursday as Eli shares fascinating and never-before-told stories from nearly four decades as the voice of the Crimson Tide. Don’t miss out.
Beat Everyone is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow the show on your favorite platform to automatically receive new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
IMPORTANT TIMES
FRIDAY, Sept. 27
6 p.m.
Quad Drop-off
SATURDAY, Sept. 28
7 a.m.
Quad Drop-off
Parking Lots Open
Shuttle Service Begins
8-11 a.m.
ESPN College GameDay (Quad)
10 a.m.
Core campus roadblocks enforced (earlier if deemed necessary)
11 a.m.
Quad food trucks open
11:30 a.m.
Champions Lane opens
Legends Lounge
Noon
Quad inflatables
1:10 p.m.
Bud Light Backyard Concert Stage (David Lewis)
2 p.m.
Autograph session with Alabama Men’s Tennis (Champions Lane)
2:30 p.m.
Coca-Cola Kickoff Zone opens
3 p.m.
Autograph session with Alabama Men’s Basketball (Champions Lane)
3:30 p.m.
Nissan Heisman House with featured guest Landon Collins (appearing at 4 p.m.)
3:55 p.m.
Elephant Stomp (Quad)
4 p.m.
Gates open (Student gates at 4:30 p.m.)
Bud Light Backyard Concert Stage (Lauren Alaina)
4:25 p.m.
Walk of Champions
6:30 p.m.
Kickoff (ABC)