The Crimson Tide, the team of many names, has been referred to as the Crimson White, the Thin Red Line, and even the Red Elephants. With so many names, how do Tide fans know who they’re talking about? From the Tide tradition, that’s how. Alabama fans are proud of their past and pass their traditions on to their children at as young of an age as they can comprehend it! Roll Tide is a praised phrase as a child while the term War Eagle is considered right on up there with shut up and butt head. Yes, tradition is a special part of the Alabama experience that fans love to relive on game day and when walking through campus on a sunny autumn day. Little girls dressed in line with their hopes of one day being an Alabama Cheerleader. Young boys running across the Quad playing their own game of football before the real game begins. Grandparents, telling stories of Bama back in it’s glory days with the Bear as coach and times when Alabama was a shoe-in for the National Championship Title.

Some are past players of the Bear and seem to always feel in the spotlight one last time when they step inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium, even if they had played at Legion Field, or elsewhere. The only thing that matters is where the Tide calls home. Today, that is Bryant-Denny Stadium named after the legendary Paul W. Bear Bryant whose name you can find in various places all over town, and Denny Chimes, who also has his legacy spread out over campus. Honoring them before were monuments, street names, and even museums, but having the stadium coined after them was quite an honor for those respective families. Anything that has to do with Alabama football has a serious reputation to uphold. With more National Championships, SEC Championships, Bowl Appearances, Bowl Wins, SEC Conference Wins, and most consecutive SEC Conference Championships than any other team in the NCAA, the Crimson Tide and it’s players are looked upon by fans to continue this tradition and be the team to beat for years to come.

Alabama’s historical rosters and current game attendants include Kenny, the Snake, Stabler, legendary Joe Namath, and Barry Krause among others. Stabler, Namath and one hundred and forty-five others are forever remembered along the Walk of Fame at Denny Chimes. A tradition since 1948, it immortalizes spectacular players like no other team and the tradition of doing so is one of the most important in Alabama history. Players of the Tide can be found on occasion greeting fans at the Paul W. Bryant Museum, signing autographs, and sometimes even sitting next to lucky fans at the games. At the University of Alabama, it’s all about the fans, and the experience of Alabama Football. You can guarantee student tickets will be sold out within the first thirty minutes they’re made available, and if you want to get your hands on one, it won’t be a cheap buy. Fans of the Tide are dedicated, and some of the best college football fans out there! Roll Tide!

By: Freddie Brister

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