Yea Alabama! Tailgating with the Tide

From now until November 29, when the Tide bears all against Auburn, just about every other weekend will be filled with a home game here in Tuscaloosa. The city becomes a small colony, holding several fans in its midst during the weekend who have come to watch the game, tailgate, or just take in the ambience. Here, we present the best places to watch the game, pick up Tide gear, and have a bite to eat during your stay in T-Town.

Come down early Saturday morning - parking is first come, first serve. There are nearby lots and businesses that charge patrons for parking in the upwards of $20 or more. The city of Tuscaloosa has a free open lot located at the end of University Boulevard.


Have a hearty meal at Dreamland BBQ where you can find everything in the name of smoked food, slatered with that signature sauce or opt for chicken wings, fingers and fries at Buffalo Phil's. Downtown there are many options to choose from, including Mugshots Grill and Bar, which serves a great Rajun Cajun Salad. Cool off with some ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery, known for their do it yourself creations and ready made ice cream cakes. If you are tailgating and forgot to bring an incidental (paper plates, napkins, the grill) Publix can provide you with all of your needs and can also provide catering.

For those of us who were unable to get tickets in time to watch kickoff, there are several places in the area where the game can be viewed. The newly rebuilt Houndstooth Sports Bar is located on The Strip and has been outfitted with a new porch and plenty of room for you and your closest friends. Directly across the street, the Crimson Café has become a UA institution, known for its salads, flatbread pizzas, and most importantly, Guatemalan coffee. Alcoholic beverages are served on the weekends, and there is a big screen TV parked in the dining room for your viewing pleasure. Egan’s Bar, located downtown is, according to APR producer Brett Tannehill, a “hilarious place” to watch the game. Be sure to rack up points on their classic pinball machine while you’re there.

Naturally, you can’t leave without picking up some authentic Gameday gear to take home. The Alabama Express Downtown store The Shirt Shop is the place to go to find trendy polos, colorful dresses, and sophisticated Alabama wear. The Supe Store also has a tent on the quad, where you can find University of Alabama gear, as well as vendors from all over the area who set up tents around the stadium.

Gamedays are full of spectator action - pitch an outdoor tent on the Quad, have a seat, and take in the festivities. There are always market researchers out giving away various samples - towels, bottled water, ice cream - you name it! You can pick up everything from boiled peanuts to sunglasses to $5 commemorative Gameday tees from vendors set up in front of and around Tutwiler Hall - directly across from the stadium on Bryant Drive. The game can be seen on TV and heard on the radio voiced by the ever recognizable Eli Gold.

So roll on to victory, hit your stride, you're Dixie's football pride, Crimson Tide - Roll Tide, ROLL TIDE!

Learn the University Fight Song here.